The US carmaker had introduced AI tools, including automated quality inspections, as part of a wider push to improve efficiency. However, executives said the technology did not deliver the expected results.

Vice-president of vehicle hardware engineering Charles Poon said AI was “only as good as the information you use to train it” and acknowledged the company had underestimated the value of veteran engineers.

Ford has since brought many of them back to help train its AI systems and mentor younger staff.

The admission came as Ford topped the latest JD Power Initial Quality Study for mainstream US carmakers for the first time since 2010.