A Parachute Will Be Ready In Case The Ford Dealer’s Drone Fails To Deliver The Parts Over Detroit.

Jack Demmer Automotive Group in Wayne, Michigan, is testing autonomous drones to deliver auto parts across metro Detroit, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce customer service wait times.

Supported by a $740,000 grant from the Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Activation Fund, the Jack Demmer Automotive Group has launched an initiative to facilitate the delivery of high-demand parts within a 12-mile radius of its Ford dealerships.

The inaugural test flight occurred on Tuesday, during which a drone successfully transported a package from the dealership to a secondary location behind the company’s Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center. Currently, staff must rely on ground transport to ferry urgent parts between these sites, a process frequently impeded by traffic congestion. By contrast, autonomous drone delivery offers an efficient alternative, bypassing road traffic entirely to streamline operations.

Although the initial test flight covered a limited distance, the Jack Demmer Automotive Group intends to expand the program to include additional sites, such as the Lincoln dealership in Dearborn and a 27-bay commercial vehicle center scheduled to open next year. While representatives from the drone supplier, Blueflite, were present to oversee this week’s demonstration, future operations are expected to be managed remotely.

In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Blueflite business development lead Tyler Bruder noted that the drones are equipped with an integrated emergency parachute system and a specialized design to ensure the stability of the cargo bay during transit.

The Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Activation Fund promotes aviation innovation and economic growth. “This program helps us move parts faster, reducing repair delays and getting customers back on the road sooner,” said Mark Hatfield, Parts Manager at Jack Demmer Ford.

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