The initiative deploys drones to deliver high-demand parts within a 12-mile radius of Jack Demmer Ford dealerships in metro Detroit
Wayne, Mich.—Jack Demmer Automotive Group, in partnership with drone technology companies Airspace Link and blueflite with support from Centrepolis Accelerator, announced this week the launch of an autonomous drone delivery program for automotive parts in metro Detroit.
The initiative, supported by a $740,000 grant from Michigan’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Activation Fund deploys drones to deliver high-demand parts within a 12-mile radius of Jack Demmer Ford dealerships in Southeast Michigan, representing one of the first commercial drone delivery programs in the U.S. automotive industry.
The program addresses a persistent logistics challenge for dealerships: traffic congestion and workforce shortages that delay parts delivery, slow vehicle repairs, and frustrate customers. By flying parts over congestion rather than through it, the drone delivery network creates a more resilient and efficient automotive supply chain.
Following the successful completion of pilot test flights in the metro Detroit airspace, the partnership is now moving into live commercial operations, with the Ann Arbor–Detroit drone corridor serving as the operational environment.
“From investing in technology to creating a faster, more convenient ownership experience, we’re constantly looking ahead and drone delivery of automotive parts is a natural extension of that commitment,” said Jack Demmer Ford Parts Manager Mark Hatfield. “This groundbreaking program allows us to move critical parts faster than ever before, helping reduce repair delays, improve efficiency, and get our customers back on the road sooner.”
The AAM Activation Fund is a collaborative effort between MDOT, the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, OFME, and MEDC, designed to create a centralized pipeline of projects that accelerate advanced air mobility readiness and economic growth across the state. Implementation of the Michigan AAM Strategy is led by OFME in partnership with MDOT and other state agencies.
The program is expected to generate critical operational data to inform regulatory policy, accelerate industry adoption of drone logistics, and serve as a national model for scaling drone delivery across the automotive sector and beyond.
The project contributes to the growing Ann Arbor–Detroit drone corridor and reinforces Michigan’s position as the nation’s premier proving ground for advanced air mobility.
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