Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company
	File:Ford logo flat.svg Ford logo
Company type	Public
Industry	Automotive
Founded	16 June 1903; 123 years ago in Dearborn, Michigan, United States
Founder	Henry Ford
Headquarters	Dearborn, Michigan, United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Bill Ford (Executive Chairman), Jim Hackett (CEO as of 2017)
Products	Automobiles, luxury vehicles (Lincoln), automotive components
Number of employees	177,000 (2023)
Website	www.ford.com

The Ford Motor Company, widely recognized simply as Ford, is a multinational automobile manufacturer based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. Established by Henry Ford and officially incorporated on June 16, 1903, the firm markets vehicles under the Ford nameplate and luxury automobiles through its Lincoln division. Ford shares are publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol F, with the Ford family maintaining minority ownership but holding a controlling majority of voting rights.

Ford was a trailblazer in mass production techniques, notably introducing moving assembly lines that gave rise to the manufacturing system known as "Fordism" by 1914. The company divested from its British luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover by selling them to Tata Motors in 2008 and parted ways with Swedish automaker Volvo in 2010. In that same year, Ford discontinued its Mercury marque.

Ranking as the second-largest American automaker behind General Motors, Ford occupied the sixth position worldwide in vehicle output as of 2022, trailing behind companies such as Toyota, Volkswagen Group, Hyundai Motor Group, Stellantis, and GM. Despite holding a minority stake, the Ford family exercises 40% of voting power through special shares. Unlike other major U.S. competitors, Ford did not accept government bailouts during the 2008–2010 automotive downturn and has since regained profitability. In 2017, it secured the eleventh spot on the Fortune 500 list with revenues totaling $156.7 billion.

In 2023, Ford's global production reached approximately 4.4 million vehicles, supported by a workforce of around 177,000 employees worldwide. Its international operations encompass joint ventures in China (Changan Ford, Jiangling Ford), Taiwan (Ford Lio Ho), Thailand (AutoAlliance Thailand), and Turkey (Ford Otosan). Additionally, Ford holds a 32% equity interest in China's Jiangling Motors.

20th century

Henry Ford's initial foray into automobile manufacturing began with the establishment of the Henry Ford Company on November 3, 1901; this enterprise evolved into the Cadillac Motor Company in 1902 after Ford departed while retaining rights to his name. The Ford Motor Company itself was founded in 1903 with an initial capital investment of $28,000 from twelve backers, including future Dodge Brothers founders John and Horace Dodge.

Banker John S. Gray was appointed as the first company president to instill confidence among investors regarding Henry Ford's dedication to the venture. Early vehicle output was modest, limited to a handful of units daily at Detroit facilities; within ten years, Ford innovated assembly line methods to improve efficiency and integrate production vertically.

At age 39, Henry Ford launched what would become one of the world's largest and most profitable family-controlled enterprises.

Ford transformed affordable transportation by implementing the moving assembly line at its Highland Park plant in 1913. Between 1903 and 1908, various models were produced before the introduction of the mass-market Model T in 1908, which sold millions over nearly twenty years. The Model A released in 1927 featured laminated safety glass, and by 1932 Ford had introduced an affordable V8 engine.

To compete with General Motors’ mid-tier brands, Ford established Mercury in 1939 and acquired Lincoln in 1922 to enter the luxury segment.

In 1929, Ford played a key role in founding the Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ) within the Soviet Union, supporting industrial development and wartime production efforts during World War II. In recognition of his impact, Stalin referred to Henry Ford as "one of the world's greatest industrialists" in 1944.

During World War II, Ford produced B-24 Liberator bombers at its Willow Run facility; meanwhile, its subsidiaries in Germany and France manufactured military vehicles for Nazi Germany, with some operations involving forced labor.

The company established a research laboratory in Dearborn in 1951 that led to innovations such as the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) developed by 1964.

Safety advancements included the introduction of the Lifeguard safety package in 1956 featuring deep-dish steering wheels and seatbelts, child-proof door locks added in 1957, and retractable hardtop designs.

Ford created distinct luxury divisions: Continental launched in 1955 producing the Continental Mark II and Edsel introduced in 1958—although Edsel ultimately failed commercially. Mercury, Edsel, and Lincoln were merged into "M-E-L," later reverting back to "Lincoln-Mercury."

The legendary Ford Mustang made its debut at the 1964 New York World's Fair within a pavilion designed by Disney; subsequent innovations included adding a seat belt reminder light in 1965.

Throughout the 1980s, Ford introduced several globally successful models along with its memorable slogan "Have you driven a Ford lately?" The company expanded its luxury portfolio by acquiring Jaguar Cars (1990) and Aston Martin (1994). Strong sales were bolstered by a robust U.S. economy during the 1990s.

Entering the new millennium, rising healthcare expenses, fuel price volatility, and economic pressures contributed to shrinking market share and profitability challenges. The majority of corporate profits increasingly stemmed from financing vehicle purchases via Ford Motor Credit Company.

21st century

By 2005, the corporate bonds of Ford and General Motors had been relegated to junk status, largely due to escalating U.S. healthcare expenses for an aging workforce, surging fuel prices, shrinking market share, and dependence on declining SUV sales. Profit margins on large vehicles diminished as incentives rose to counteract weakening consumer demand. In late 2005, Chairman Bill Ford assigned Ford Americas Division President Mark Fields the task of devising a profitability strategy. The resulting plan, The Way Forward, introduced in early 2006, focused on resizing the company by eliminating unprofitable models, consolidating manufacturing operations, shuttering 14 plants, and cutting 30,000 jobs.

Ford launched new models including crossover SUVs built on unibody platforms. To develop hybrid powertrains for the Ford Escape Hybrid, the company licensed Toyota’s hybrid technology to circumvent patent conflicts. In 2007, Ford collaborated with Southern California Edison to investigate integrating plug-in hybrids with the electrical grid.

William Clay "Bill" Ford Jr., who became executive chairman in 1998 and CEO in 2001, was the first family member to lead since Henry Ford II’s retirement in 1982. Under his guidance, Ford scaled back its motorsport activities by selling Cosworth in 2004. Following the retirement of President and COO Jim Padilla in 2006, Bill Ford temporarily took on those roles until Alan Mulally assumed CEO and president later that year.

In December 2006, Ford increased its borrowing capacity to $25 billion by leveraging corporate assets as collateral; Bill Ford emphasized that bankruptcy was not an option. A pivotal agreement with the United Auto Workers in 2007 created a VEBA trust to transfer retiree healthcare costs off Ford’s balance sheet, enhancing financial stability. By 2010, Ford had contributed $5.5 billion in cash to VEBA and prepaid $500 million toward future obligations.

Ford recorded a historic $12.7 billion loss in 2006 but rebounded with a $750 million profit in Q2 of 2007. Nevertheless, the year closed with a $2.7 billion loss due to restructuring at Volvo. In June 2008, Ford sold Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors for $2.3 billion.

During congressional hearings in November 2008, CEO Alan Mulally expressed optimism about maintaining liquidity but requested a $9 billion credit line as a precaution amid economic volatility. Unlike GM and Chrysler—which accepted government loans through T.A.R.P.—Ford did not pursue immediate bailout funds.

By January 2009, despite reporting a record $14.6 billion loss, Ford preserved liquidity through debt-for-equity swaps that decreased liabilities by $9.9 billion (28%). This approach facilitated a $2.7 billion profit for fiscal year 2009—the company’s first full-year profit in four years. In 2012, improvements led to an upgrade of Ford’s bonds back to investment grade.

On October 29, 2012, Ford divested its climate control components business—its final automotive components operation. CEO Alan Mulally extended his tenure through 2014 while Mark Fields was appointed COO. Mulally’s compensation exceeded $174 million over seven years—a figure that stirred controversy among employees.

In April 2016, Ford announced a $1.2 billion investment over ten years to modernize its Dearborn engineering and headquarters campuses, aiming to double employee capacity to 24,000 and support ride-sharing and autonomous vehicle initiatives.

In January 2017, CEO Mark Fields canceled plans for a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico, redirecting $700 million toward Michigan investments that would create 700 jobs—citing favorable pro-business policies under President-elect Donald Trump.

Ford began establishing an urban campus in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood dedicated to autonomous and electric vehicle technology by acquiring The Factory at Michigan and Rosa Parks properties, later expanding with Michigan Central Station and Roosevelt Warehouse sites. The campus is projected to accommodate 2,500 employees alongside entrepreneurs and partners.

In February 2017, Ford acquired majority ownership of autonomous vehicle startup Argo AI.

Facing declining share prices and profit pressures in May 2017, Ford announced plans to reduce nearly 10% of salaried positions across North America and Asia targeting $3 billion in cost savings. Jim Hackett replaced Mark Fields as CEO; Hackett had previously led the formation of Ford Smart Mobility focusing on car-sharing and autonomous ventures.

On April 25, 2018, Ford declared it would discontinue most passenger cars in North America except for the Mustang due to falling demand; plans for the Focus Active crossover were scrapped following tariffs imposed on Chinese imports.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Ford partially halted factory operations across North America; first-quarter sales declined by 15%, resulting in losses of $2 billion.

On January 6, 2021, Ford reported nearly a 10% drop in U.S. fourth-quarter sales. By April 2021, the company had launched on-site COVID-19 vaccination programs for employees across several states.

In March 2022, Ford reorganized into three divisions: Model E (electric vehicles), Blue (internal combustion engines), and Pro (commercial vehicles). In August that year, approximately 3,000 layoffs were announced primarily affecting workers in the U.S., Canada, and India as part of a strategic focus on electric vehicle development.

In February 2023, about 3,800 jobs were cut across Europe—mainly engineers based in Germany and the UK—to reduce expenses amid ongoing investments in electric technology. The electric vehicle division reported pre-tax losses totaling $3 billion over two years with similar deficits anticipated for 2023; profitability is targeted by 2026.

In April 2023, UK regulators authorized use of Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology on certain roads at speeds up to . BlueCruise utilizes sensors and eye-tracking but remains classified as Level 2 automation requiring driver supervision. In August 2024, Pennsylvania State Police charged a driver involved in a fatal crash while operating BlueCruise.

In November 2024, Ford announced additional European job reductions totaling roughly 3,700 positions—800 in the UK and nearly 3,000 in Germany—to address slowing growth in electric vehicle sales.

Financial performance trends

Significant financial indicators for Ford Motor Company (fiscal year ending December 31) are as follows:

	Revenue (US$ bn)	Net income (US$ bn)	Total assets (US$ bn)	Workforce (k)	Global vehicle sales (m)
2016	151	4.5	237	201	6.6
2017	156	7.7	257	202	6.6
2018	160	3.6	256	199	5.9
2019	155	0.04	258	190	5.3
2020	127	−1.2	267	186	4.1
2021	136	17.9	257	183	3.9
2022	158	−1.9	255	173	4.2
2023	176	4.3	273	177	4.4
2024	185	5.9	285	171	4.5

These statistics illustrate Ford’s variable financial outcomes, with revenue reaching $185 billion in 2024 and net earnings rebounding to $5.9 billion following prior deficits, supported by a global employee base near 171,000 and worldwide car sales totaling 4.5 million units.

Senior leadership

As of January 2025, the Ford board of directors comprises prominent executives and family representatives including William Clay Ford Jr. (executive chairman), CEO Jim Farley, Alexandra Ford English, and Henry Ford III, demonstrating the company’s sustained family governance alongside independent board members.

Jim Farley assumed the CEO role in August 2020 after serving as chief operating officer, succeeding Jim Hackett who remained an advisor until mid-2021. Farley’s leadership strategy emphasizes innovation and global market expansion to strengthen Ford’s position and competitiveness within the transforming automotive sector.

Shareholder structure

Institutional investors hold the majority stake in Ford, accounting for approximately 60% of total shares. As of December 2023, the principal shareholders included:

The Vanguard Group (8.71%)
BlackRock (7.20%)
State Street Corporation (4.46%)
Newport Trust (3.98%)
Charles Schwab Corporation (2.25%)
Geode Capital Management (1.94%)
Fisher Investments (1.52%)
Morgan Stanley (1.31%)
Norges Bank (1.00%)
Northern Trust (0.94%)

Ford Philanthropy

Ford Philanthropy, previously known as the Ford Motor Company Fund, serves as the company’s nonprofit foundation headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Founded in 1949 by Henry Ford II, it is supported financially by Ford and concentrates on education, driver safety, and community enhancement initiatives. In 2017, it allocated $63 million to various programs.

Prominent efforts include the Ford Driving Skills for Life program aimed at improving teen driver safety through collaboration with the Governors Highway Safety Association, alongside the Ford Volunteer Corps which mobilizes employees and retirees for community service projects spanning over 40 countries globally. The foundation dedicates $18 million annually to educational causes worldwide, backing scholarships and initiatives such as the Alan Mulally Engineering Scholarship, Ford Blue Oval Scholars Program, and Ford Next Generation Learning.

On April 29, 2024, the organization adopted the name Ford Philanthropy to more accurately reflect its mission aligned with corporate values.

FordWorks Initiative

Introduced in 2016, the FordWorks initiative by Ford Motor Company aims to support workforce reintegration for individuals with disabilities. It marked the first automotive program in the United States dedicated to employing people on the autism spectrum, subsequently broadening its scope to encompass other disabilities. Collaboration with Upbound has bolstered recruitment efforts within this initiative.

Operations

Sales distribution by region (2023)
Region	Percentage
United States	66.4%
Canada	7.6%
United Kingdom	5.1%
Mexico	1.6%
Other countries	19.6%

Ford operates manufacturing facilities worldwide, including locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa. The company also played a role in founding the Russian automaker GAZ.

North America

In May 2010, Ford experienced a 23% increase in sales, with fleet purchases accounting for 37% of that total. June saw a 13% rise in retail sales alongside a 32% growth in fleet sales. From January to July 2010, fleet sales climbed 35%, reaching 386,000 units, while retail sales advanced by 19%. During this timeframe, fleet sales represented 39% of Chrysler’s and 31% of General Motors’ overall sales.

Europe

Before 1965, Ford Germany and Ford of Britain manufactured distinct vehicle models; however, from that year onward, models such as the Ford Transit, Escort, and Ford Capri were unified across both markets. By 1970, vehicles like the Ford Taunus and Ford Cortina shared platforms and were produced in configurations for both left- and right-hand drive markets. Over time, production rationalization shifted manufacturing from the UK to continental European countries including Belgium, Spain, and Germany. The introduction of the Ford Sierra in 1982 replaced the Taunus and Cortina with an innovative aerodynamic design that divided consumer opinion but achieved notable sales figures.

In February 2002, Ford halted car manufacturing in the UK for the first time in nine decades; nonetheless, van production at Southampton persisted until 2013 alongside engine assembly at Bridgend and Dagenham and transmission production at Halewood. European research and development is divided between Dunton (Essex), which focuses on powertrain and commercial vehicles, and Cologne (Germany), responsible for bodywork, chassis systems, and electrical components for models such as the Focus and Mondeo. Following the launch of the Transit in 1965, Ford discontinued the Thames commercial vehicle brand.

Production of key European models is spread across multiple sites: Valencia (Spain) assembles Mondeo, Galaxy, S-Max, and Kuga; Cologne produces Fiesta; Saarlouis (Germany) manufactures Focus; Craiova (Romania) handles Ecosport and Puma. Since 2002, Ford has operated a joint venture plant near Kocaeli in Turkey—Otosan—which produces Transit Connect variants; this coincided with ending Transit assembly at Genk.

A former joint venture facility near Setúbal (Portugal), established with Volkswagen, previously assembled Galaxy alongside VW Sharan and SEAT Alhambra models before Volkswagen took full ownership of that plant and Galaxy production moved to Genk.

In 2008, Ford acquired majority ownership of Automobile Craiova (Romania). Starting in 2009, Craiova began producing Transit Connect vans followed by small-displacement engines and the B-Max compact car introduced in 2012. By 2022, Ford Otosan had acquired Ford Romania; production of the second-generation Transit Courier/Tourneo Courier started there by 2023.

Noteworthy European models include the distinctive yet popular 1959 Ford Anglia, which was succeeded by the practical Escort launched in 1967. The third-generation Escort introduced in 1980 marked Ford’s transition from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel-drive hatchbacks. The fourth-generation Escort continued until 2000 alongside its successor—the Focus—introduced in 1998 and praised for its design and driving dynamics throughout production until 2004.

The Sierra replaced both Cortina and Taunus lines with a streamlined aerodynamic style that gained widespread acceptance until it was succeeded by the front-wheel-drive Mondeo in 1993. Entering the small car market segment in 1976 with production centered in Valencia, the Fiesta achieved strong sales supported by successive updates during the following decade.

On October 24, 2012, Ford announced plans to close its Genk assembly facility by late 2014. In 2015, Ford took full ownership of its Russian joint venture with Sollers JSC.

At the IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition held in Hannover in September 2018, Ford revealed the F-Vision electric tractor-trailer concept equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving technology.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Ford suspended activities with its Sollers joint venture on March 1st. By October 26th of that year, Ford divested its remaining shares and withdrew from the Russian market while maintaining a repurchase option valid for five years should geopolitical circumstances improve.

East and Southeast Asia

Ford entered China’s passenger vehicle sector in 2001, trailing behind rivals General Motors and Volkswagen. By 2013, the company had invested $4.9 billion to broaden its model range and increase production capacity to 600,000 units, including its largest manufacturing facility located in Chongqing. Despite these efforts, Ford captured merely 2.5% of the Chinese market, significantly lower than Volkswagen’s 14.5% and General Motors’ 15.6%, with GM’s sales exceeding Ford’s by more than six times.

Within Asia, Ford’s footprint has been confined to Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Taiwan, where it has collaborated with Lio Ho since the 1970s. After assembling vehicles in Thailand from 1960 until 1976, Ford re-entered the Thai market in 1995 through a joint venture with Mazda named Auto Alliance. The current manufacturing plant in Chonburi continues to produce passenger cars.

Following currency reforms and the easing of import restrictions that stimulated local demand, Ford introduced its range of cars and pickup trucks in Myanmar on April 30, 2013.

Ford withdrew from Indonesia in 2016 by ceasing operations and closing its dealer network. However, distribution recommenced in 2020 when RMA Group assumed responsibility for Ford’s Indonesian operations after a four-year hiatus.

South Korea

In 1967, Ford established a partnership with Hyundai Motor Company to manufacture the European Ford Cortina at a newly built plant in Ulsan until 1974, when Hyundai launched its own model, the Pony. Subsequently, Ford collaborated with Kia Motors, which produced vehicles co-developed with Mazda and exported models such as the Ford Festiva (1988–1993) and Ford Aspire (1994–1997) to the U.S. market. After acquiring a stake in Mazda in 1979, Ford marketed Mazda-based models under its own brand as the Ford Laser and Telstar throughout Asia, replacing previously imported European models. Between 1989 and 1996, Kia imported the Mercury Sable from the U.S., selling it domestically as the Kia Sable but retaining Mercury branding. Following the Asian financial crisis of 1997 and Kia’s bankruptcy, Hyundai took control of Kia by acquiring a majority stake of 51% in 1998—outbidding Ford, which had held an interest since 1986. Hyundai remains Kia’s largest shareholder with less than half ownership.

By 2020, Ford’s product lineup in South Korea included models such as the Explorer, Mondeo, and Mustang, alongside Lincoln vehicles including the Aviator, Continental, Corsair, MKZ, and Nautilus.

South and West Asia

Ford India Private Limited commenced manufacturing operations in Chennai in 1998 with the Escort model and subsequently introduced additional models including the Ikon (2001), Fusion, Fiesta, Mondeo, and Endeavour. In 2010, Ford launched the Figo—the company’s first compact car tailored and priced specifically for India’s mass market. A year later in 2011, Ford announced a $1 billion investment to establish an assembly and engine manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. In 2019, Ford entered into a joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra to develop and sell Ford vehicles within India. Nevertheless, in September 2021, Ford India declared plans to shut down both assembly plants while continuing its parts supply and service operations.

Ford’s presence across the Middle East has been limited historically due to Arab boycotts linked to Israel. Currently available in ten countries—including key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE—Ford has operated in Egypt since 1926 but faced obstacles arising from nationalist policies during the 1950s. By 2003, Ford’s distributor in Saudi Arabia had sold over 100,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles since beginning operations in 1986; approximately half of these were Crown Victorias. Despite this volume, Ford’s regional sales trailed behind competitors like General Motors (88,852 units) and Nissan (75,000 units) as of 2004.

South America

Ford’s principal operations in South America are concentrated in Brazil, Argentina, and Ford Andina, which covers Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Collectively, these entities employ more than 18,000 individuals across seven manufacturing facilities. In 1987, Ford Brasil and Ford Motor Argentina combined forces with Volkswagen’s Brazilian and Argentine divisions to create the joint venture Autolatina, sharing vehicle platforms until the partnership ended in 1995. In early 2021, Ford declared it would halt production activities in Brazil as part of a strategic realignment and restructuring plan, anticipating impairment costs amounting to $4.1 billion.

Africa

Ford’s presence in Africa has been most prominent in South Africa and its neighboring nations, while the brand primarily markets trucks in other parts of the continent. Initially, assembly operations involved Canadian-imported kits at Port Elizabeth, South Africa, before transitioning to sourcing models from the United Kingdom and Australia. During the mid-1980s, Ford merged with Anglo American’s competitor to establish the South African Motor Corporation (Samcor). Due to sanctions linked to apartheid policies, Ford divested its direct ownership in 1988 but licensed its brand name to Samcor. Samcor broadened its product range by manufacturing Mazda vehicles locally, substituting European Ford models such as the Escort and Sierra with Mazda-based Laser and Telstar variants. Following the end of apartheid, Ford reacquired a 45% interest in Samcor in 1994 and eventually regained full control under the name Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. Currently, the company offers regionally adapted versions of the Fiesta and Focus; production of the Australian Falcon ceased in 2003. The Mondeo was briefly assembled domestically before discontinuation in 2005; it was reintroduced as the Fusion in 2015 but withdrawn again in 2017.

Research

Ford maintains technology research centers within its Research and Innovation Center network located in strategic global hubs: Dearborn, Michigan, Palo Alto, California, Aachen, Germany, and Nanjing, China. Founded in 2012, the Palo Alto facility underwent substantial expansion by 2015 to bolster Ford’s innovation capacity and leverage Silicon Valley’s technological expertise.

Since 2019, a chief futurist role has been established at Ford to steer long-term strategic forecasting. This position was first held by Sheryl Connelly and is currently occupied by Jennifer Brace. The chief futurist supports Ford’s corporate strategy by predicting market developments and fostering innovation aligned with evolving global industry trends.

Ford of Japan

In 1925, Ford launched a manufacturing plant in Yokohama that assembled Model T vehicles from imported knock-down kits. Between then and 1936, the factory produced approximately 10,000 Model A units before ceasing operations in 1940 amid rising political tensions. After World War II, control of the facility passed to the Japanese government until it was returned to Ford in 1958 and repurposed as a research and development center for Mazda collaboration.

Ford acquired a 24.5% shareholding in Mazda in 1979 and created Autorama in 1982—a joint sales network for marketing Ford vehicles within Japan, including models assembled in North America. The channel was renamed Ford Sales of Japan in 1997. The portfolio included North American models such as the Explorer, Probe, Mustang, Taurus, Thunderbird, Lincoln Continental, and Lincoln LS alongside European offerings like the Mondeo, Ka, Focus series, Fiesta, and Galaxy.

Mazda manufactured several Ford-branded vehicles domestically for distribution through Autorama; these included the Telstar (based on Mazda Capella), Laser, Festiva, Festiva Mini Wagon (Mazda Demio), Ixion (Mazda Premacy), Freda (Mazda Bongo Friendee), Spectron (Mazda Bongo), along with commercial trucks J80 and J100.

By 1996, Ford had increased its stake in Mazda to 33.4%, though this was reduced to 11% by 2016. As of 2010, Ford’s Japanese lineup featured models such as Mustang, Escape, Explorer (including pickup variants), Kuga, Lincoln Navigator, MKX, and Ecosport. Nevertheless, due to challenging market conditions, Ford closed its Tokyo regional office and ceased new vehicle sales in Japan by February 2016.

Oceania

In the markets of Australia and New Zealand, the Ford Falcon (1960–2016) stood out as a prominent model, larger in size compared to the Mondeo available in Europe. Initially derived from a U.S. design until 1972, it subsequently became an entirely Australian-engineered and produced vehicle, with occasional manufacturing conducted in New Zealand. The Falcon directly competed with General Motors' Holden Commodore, featuring a rear-wheel-drive configuration and offering high-performance variants capable of producing up to . A ute (pickup) version utilized the same powertrains. Until its closure in 2014, Ford Australia's performance arm, Ford Performance Vehicles, provided enhanced versions of Falcons and utes.

The Falcon and Commodore collectively dominated the Australian automotive landscape, representing over one-fifth of new vehicle sales. In early 2006, Ford commanded a 14.4% share of the New Zealand market. By 2008, Ford phased out its Falcon-derived long-wheelbase variants—the Fairlane and LTD. The company also announced plans to cease operations at its Geelong engine facility between 2013 and 2016, simultaneously transferring Focus small car production from domestic assembly to imports sourced from Thailand.

Another notable success for Ford Australia was the Laser model, manufactured at the Homebush West plant from 1981 until its closure in 1994. The Laser surpassed sales of the Mazda 323, benefiting from local production and positive brand perception. Market research indicated that many buyers were unaware of the Laser’s Mazda origins.

In New Zealand, assembly of the Laser and Telstar took place alongside Mazda vehicles at the Vehicle Assemblers of New Zealand (VANZ) facility in Auckland until 1997. Additionally, the Ford Sierra wagon was locally assembled to satisfy demand for station wagons.

In 2013, Ford announced it would cease all manufacturing operations in Australia after incurring losses totaling AU$600 million over five years. Based in Broadmeadows, Victoria, the company attributed this decision to insufficient sales within corporate fleets and government sectors to maintain profitability. Approximately 1,200 employees at Geelong and Broadmeadows were impacted by the closures, which were completed on October 7, 2016.

Automobiles

Ford Motor Company offers an extensive lineup of vehicles globally under the Ford marque, alongside luxury automobiles marketed under the Lincoln brand within the United States. Historically, Ford distributed cars under various marques such as Mercury (1939–2011), discontinued due to declining sales; Edsel (1958–1960); and Merkur (1985–1989), which targeted U.S. consumers with European-designed models.

In 1989, Ford acquired British sports car manufacturer Aston Martin, later divesting it in 2007 while retaining an 8% equity interest. The company purchased Swedish automaker Volvo Cars in 1999 but sold it to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 2010. Ford gradually reduced its ownership stake in Japanese automaker Mazda, decreasing from 33.4% in 2008 to a final divestiture of a 3% stake in 2015, while maintaining strategic collaborations including their joint venture plant Auto Alliance located in Flat Rock, Michigan.

In 2008, Ford divested UK-based premium brands Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors of India.

On April 25, 2018, Ford declared a strategic realignment aimed at discontinuing most passenger car models in North America except for the Ford Mustang, instead prioritizing pickup trucks and SUVs. Plans to introduce an "Active" crossover variant of the next-generation Ford Focus were abandoned amid tariff disputes between the U.S. and China.

Trucks

Ford has been manufacturing trucks since 1908, beginning with the Ford Model TT, followed by models such as the Model AA and the Model BB. Its commercial vehicle production extended across various regions including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada (where some were marketed under the Mercury brand), France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Spain (also sold as Ebro), Turkey, the UK (also branded as Fordson and Thames), and the United States.

Between the 1940s and late 1970s, the Ford F-Series formed the foundation for light trucks in North America. Most of Ford’s international truck operations have since been discontinued. The longest-running European presence was Ford of Britain's truck division, which merged into Iveco in 1986; Ford retained a minority stake while Iveco assumed responsibility for sales and manufacturing of the Ford Cargo. The final major European truck models from Ford included the Transcontinental and Cargo. In 1996, Ford divested its heavy truck division to Daimler AG’s Freightliner Trucks, ceasing production of vehicles such as Cargo, Louisville, and Aeromax by 1998. Freightliner then introduced the Sterling brand based on Ford’s designs until 2009.

Prominent North American heavy-duty truck series comprised:

Ford F-Series
- "Big Job" (1951–1957)
- "Super Duty/Extra Heavy Duty" (1958–1962)
Ford N-Series (1963–1969)
L-Series trucks (1970–1998), including Aeromax (1988–1998) and Louisville (1996–1998)
Sterling (1998–2009)
Ford C-Series (1957–1990)
Cargo/CF-Series (1986–1997)
Ford H-Series (1961–1966)
Ford W-Series (1966–1977)
Ford CL-Series (1978–1995)

After briefly exiting the medium-duty truck market in 1999, Ford collaborated with Navistar International in 2001 to establish Blue Diamond Truck Company LLC. This partnership produced medium-duty Class 6–7 trucks at a Navistar facility in Mexico, sharing chassis platforms but utilizing distinct powertrains and body designs. Their product range included the Ford F-650/F-750 Super Duty alongside the International DuraStar. In 2006, they launched the Ford LCF/International CityStar low-cab forward truck, which remained available until 2009.

In Europe, Ford manufactures the Ford Transit, a large commercial vehicle capable of carrying loads up to 2,265 kg, offered in configurations such as panel van, pickup, or chassis cab. The portfolio also features the smaller Ford Transit Connect van and the Ford Ranger pickup.

Buses

Ford’s involvement in bus manufacturing has transitioned from producing complete buses to acting primarily as a second stage manufacturer. In North America, chassis from the E-Series continue to be widely used for small school buses, while the F-650 chassis serves commercial bus applications. During the 1980s and 1990s, the medium-duty B700 chassis was commonly utilized by body manufacturers like Thomas Built Buses, Ward Body Works, and Blue Bird Corporation. Nevertheless, consolidation within the industry and manufacturer agreements led to a decline in Ford’s market share.

Early bus models from Ford were adaptations of truck bodies:

Model B – 1930s
Model T – 1920s
F-105 school bus

In 1936, Ford introduced the Ford Transit Bus, a compact transit vehicle with bodies constructed by third-party manufacturers. Initially equipped with front engines, it shifted to a rear-engine layout in 1939. Production totaled roughly 1,000 to 1,200 units of the original design and about 12,500 rear-engine models until production ended in 1947. The bus was renamed Universal Bus in 1946.

Rear-engine Transit Bus chassis variants included:

09-B/19-B City transit bus – 1939–1941
19-B/29-B City transit bus – 1941–1942
49-B/79-B City transit bus – 1944–1947
69-B City transit bus – 1946–1947
29-B City transit bus – 1946–1947
72-T transit bus – 1944–1945

Following 1946, the Transit City bus was marketed as the Universal Bus, featuring an all-metal roof:

79-B Universal transit bus – 1946–1947

This was succeeded by the introduction of the Ford 8M series:

8MB transit bus – built with Wayne Works starting in 1948

From the mid-20th century onward, Ford gradually lost ground to competitors like General Motors in North America and eventually ceased transit bus production there. Notable models included:

B500 or B-series – manufactured from the 1950s through the 1990s based on Ford F-series truck chassis for school bus applications

In Europe, Ford offers the Ford Transit minibus variant classified as a Passenger Carrying Vehicle with seating options accommodating 12, 15, or 17 passengers. Historic European bus models have comprised:

EM
N-138
D series buses (Australia)

Tractors

The production of Fordson tractors was undertaken by the "Henry Ford and Son Company" at various locations: Springwells, Michigan (1907–1928), Cork, Ireland (1919–1932), and Dagenham, England (1933–1964), before shifting to Basildon. Manufacturing also commenced in Leningrad in 1924.

Ford reentered the tractor industry in 1939 with the introduction of the Ford N-series tractor models. The Ford 8N, released in 1947, became the top-selling tractor in North America. Production of the N series concluded in 1952.

In 1953, the Ford NAA tractor succeeded the N-Series, featuring a larger four-cylinder engine and refreshed design elements.

Ford broadened its agricultural equipment portfolio in 1986 by acquiring Sperry-New Holland's skid-steer loader and hay machinery division, creating Ford-New Holland. The company further expanded by purchasing Versatile tractors in 1988. Fiat acquired Ford-New Holland in 1993, rebranding it as New Holland, which is currently a part of CNH Global.

Financial services

Automotive financing is provided by Ford through Ford Motor Credit Company, facilitating vehicle purchases and promoting customer loyalty.

Automotive components

Ford's parts division, known as FoMoCo, distributes aftermarket components under the Motorcraft brand. This division was later separated into an independent company named Visteon.

Current marques

Origin	Marque	Established	Added	Markets
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Ford	1903	1903	Worldwide
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Lincoln	1917	1922	North America, Middle East, China, South Korea
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Motorcraft	1972	1972	Worldwide

Former marques

Origin	Marque	Years	Markets	Outcome
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Autolite	1961–1973	Worldwide	Sold to Bendix Corporation
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Comet	1960–1961	North America	Merged into Mercury
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Continental	1956–1986	North America	Discontinued
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Edsel	1957–1960	North America	Discontinued
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Fordson	1917–1964	North America, Ireland, United Kingdom	Discontinued
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Mercury	1939–2011	North America, Middle East	Discontinued
File:Flag of the United States.svg US	Merkur	1985–1989	North America	Discontinued
File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg CAN	Meteor	1949–1976	Canada	Discontinued
File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg CAN	Monarch	1946–1961	Canada	Discontinued
File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg CAN	Frontenac	1960	Canada	Discontinued
Template:Country data BRA	Troller	2007–2021	Brazil	Defunct; production facility shuttered by Ford Brasil
Template:Country data AUS	FPV	2002–2014	Australia	Discontinued
Template:Country data JPN	Mazda	1974–2015	Global	Shares sold
Template:Country data NOR	TH!NK	1999–2003	North America, Europe	Sold to Kamkorp
Template:Country data SWE	Volvo Cars	1999–2010	Global	Sold to Geely
Template:Country data FRA	Matford	1934–1940	France	Joint venture terminated
Template:Country data ITA	De Tomaso	1971–1974	Global	Sold to Alejandro de Tomaso
Template:Country data ITA	Moto Guzzi	1973–1974	Global	Sold to Alejandro de Tomaso
Template:Country data ITA	Benelli (motorcycles)	1972–1974	Global	Sold to Alejandro de Tomaso
Template:Country data UK	AC Cars	1986–1992	United Kingdom	Half ownership sold to Autokraft
Template:Country data UK	Aston Martin	1989–2007	Worldwide	Transferred to private investors
Template:Country data UK	Jaguar Cars	1989–2008	Worldwide	Acquired by Tata Motors
Template:Country data UK	Land Rover	2000–2008	Worldwide	Acquired by Tata Motors
Template:Country data UK	Thames (commercial vehicles)	1939–1965	Europe, Canada	Discontinued

FIA World Championships

Along with Shelby and Chevrolet, Ford stands as one of the three American manufacturers to have claimed titles at the FIA World Championships. Ford secured the World Sportscar Championship title three consecutive times (1966, 1967, 1968) across both sports prototype and Grand Touring divisions. In the World Rally Championship, Ford achieved four World Drivers' Championships (1979, 1981, 2017, 2018) as well as four Manufacturers' Championships (1979, 2006, 2007, 2017). As an engine supplier, Ford-powered teams amassed a total of thirteen Formula One World Drivers' Championships and ten Constructors' Championships. Furthermore, Ford is among only three manufacturers to have completed the Triple Crown of Motorsport as an engine provider, with a standout moment being its triumph at the 1968 Monaco Grand Prix.

IndyCar

Ford's involvement in IndyCar racing began in 1935 with a production-based V8 engine. A pushrod Ford V8 competed alongside Lotus in 1963, and Ford's inaugural IndyCar victory was achieved in 1965 using a DOHC V8 engine. The Cosworth DFX engine, backed by Ford sponsorship, powered vehicles to eighteen wins at the Indianapolis 500. A notable highlight occurred on May 12, 1996, when Arie Luyendyk set enduring Indianapolis 500 records for the fastest qualifying lap at 237.498 mph and a four-lap average speed of 236.986 mph driving a car equipped with a Ford Cosworth XB engine.

Formula Ford

Introduced in the United Kingdom in 1966, Formula Ford is an entry-level single-seater racing category characterized by wingless cars. It has long served as a critical developmental series for numerous professional formula drivers early in their careers.

Formula One

Ford played a pivotal role in Formula One from 1967 until 2004 by supplying engines engineered and manufactured by its racing arm, Cosworth, which was under Ford ownership from 1998 to 2004. Engines powered by Ford achieved 176 Grand Prix victories for teams including Team Lotus and McLaren. In the year 2000, Ford entered Formula One as a constructor through Jaguar Racing after acquiring the Stewart Grand Prix outfit. Despite significant investment and expectations, Jaguar Racing struggled to deliver competitive results; after five seasons, Ford withdrew from Formula One following the 2004 season, divesting Jaguar Racing (which subsequently became Red Bull Racing) and Cosworth to private entities.

Ford has declared plans for a strategic comeback to Formula One in 2026 through a collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains, providing power units for Red Bull Racing and their satellite team Racing Bulls.

Stock car racing

Ford continues to be a prominent manufacturer within NASCAR, participating across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series. Key teams utilizing Ford equipment include RFK Racing, Team Penske, and Wood Brothers Racing. The brand is represented by the Ford Mustang GT in both the Cup and Xfinity Series, while the F-150 competes in the Truck Series. Historically, aerodynamic models such as the Ford Torino and Ford Thunderbird were instrumental in establishing Ford's dominance on NASCAR circuits. The manufacturer has secured eight Cup Series manufacturers' championships under the Ford banner and one additional championship credited to Mercury. A milestone was reached when Ford celebrated its 1,000th NASCAR Cup victory at the 2013 Quicken Loans 400 held at Michigan International Speedway. Additionally, the Ford Fusion remains active within the ARCA Menards Series.

Rally

Ford has maintained a significant role in rallying since the World Rally Championship began in 1973. The manufacturer clinched the 1979 manufacturers' crown with drivers Hannu Mikkola, Björn Waldegård, and Ari Vatanen piloting the Ford Escort RS1800. During the era of Group B, Ford competed using the Ford RS200. From 1999 onward, Ford utilized multiple versions of the Ford Focus WRC to consistently perform at a high level. A highlight came in 2006 when the BP-Ford World Rally Team secured its second manufacturers' championship with the Focus RS WRC 06, engineered by M-Sport and driven by Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen. The team successfully repeated this achievement in 2007. Ford also holds a distinctive record for earning points in 92 straight events starting from the 2002 Monte Carlo Rally.

Back in March 1951, Henri Loos and Henri Berney set a cross-continental record by driving a 1950 Ford V8 from Cape Town to Paris during the Algiers-Cape Town Rally, highlighting Ford’s early commitment to endurance motorsport challenges.

Rallycross

In rallycross competition, Ford has fielded both the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus. Tanner Foust won the Global RallyCross Championship titles in 2011 and 2012 and finished as runner-up in the FIA European Rallycross Championship those same years. Toomas Heikkinen and Joni Wiman captured Global RallyCross Championships in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Among prominent Ford drivers are Marcus Grönholm, Ken Block, and Brian Deegan.

Sports cars

Since 1964, Ford’s sports cars have played a major role in sports car racing. The Ford GT40 famously achieved four consecutive overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1966 to 1969, standing as the only American vehicle to win this esteemed race outright. The GT40 also earned four World Sportscar Championship titles for Ford. Collaborating with Swiss outfit Matech GT Racing, Ford Racing won the Teams championship in the 2008 FIA GT3 European Championship using the Ford GT.

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang ranks among Ford’s most celebrated sports cars. Jerry Titus secured the 1965 SCCA Pro B National Championship behind the wheel of a Mustang, while Ford captured SCCA Trans-Am titles in 1966, 1967, and again in 1970 with drivers Parnelli Jones and George Follmer driving Boss 302 Mustangs for Bud Moore Engineering. The Mustang earned IMSA GTO Championships in both 1985 and 1986 with John Jones and Scott Pruett, followed by a Trans-Am championship in 1989 with Dorsey Schroeder. Throughout the 1990s, Tommy Kendall dominated Trans-Am competition with four titles (1993, 1995–1997), complemented by Paul Gentilozzi’s championship win in 1999. The Mustang FR500C claimed the Rolex IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge title during its debut season in 2005, and Ford also took home the GT4 European Championship crown in 2007. The Mustang Challenge series launched in 2008 featuring factory-prepared race cars competing for the Miller Cup. That same year, Ford secured the manufacturers’ championship in the IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge with Joe Foster and Steve Maxwell winning the drivers’ championship.

In partnership with Michelin, Ford Performance developed specialized tires tailored for its performance models. Dave Pericak, director of Ford Performance, emphasized this collaboration as crucial for their racing campaigns at Le Mans with the all-new Ford GT as well as for enhancing their high-performance road vehicles such as the Shelby GT350 and F-150 Raptor.

Touring cars

Ford has fielded a variety of touring cars across multiple championships, including models like the Mustang, Focus, Falcon, Contour/Mondeo, and the Sierra Cosworth. A significant achievement was when drivers piloting the Mondeo secured all podium positions in the 2000 British Touring Car Championship, while Falcon drivers replicated this feat in the 2005 V8 Supercar Championship Series.

Drag racing

In the realm of drag racing, competitors from John Force Racing such as John Force, Tony Pedregon, and Robert Hight have claimed numerous NHRA championships behind the wheel of Ford Mustang Funny Cars. Additional team members like Tim Wilkerson and Bob Tasca III also race Mustang Funny Cars.

Drifting

Ford made its entry into drifting with the introduction of the Mustang, prominently represented by the Falken Tires Mustang driven by Vaughn Gittin, Jr., delivering impressive performance.

Flexible fuel vehicles

Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating on different ethanol-gasoline mixtures such as E85 or E100. In the United States, widespread adoption is hindered by limited availability of fueling stations, although initiatives to increase E85 production and accessibility continue.

Hybrid electric vehicles

In 2004, Ford entered into a patent-sharing partnership with Toyota, granting access to Toyota’s hybrid technology. This collaboration enabled Ford to introduce the Ford Escape Hybrid, which was both the first hybrid sport utility vehicle and the first hybrid capable of using flexible fuel E85. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid followed in 2006, ahead of its planned timeline. Additionally, the Mazda Tribute incorporated hybrid options alongside other Ford models.

While Ford initially planned to manufacture 250,000 hybrids annually by 2010, challenges such as high production costs and battery shortages delayed this target. Consequently, Ford intensified development of next-generation hybrids through a collaboration with Volvo, aiming to launch more than 100 new hybrid variants.

In 2007, Ford partnered with Southern California Edison to test plug-in hybrids’ interaction with electrical grids using modified Escape Hybrids. By 2008, the USDOE added a Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Flex-Fuel Vehicle featuring a lithium-ion battery capable of electric-only travel up to .

The introduction of hybrid versions of the Fusion and Mercury Milan occurred in 2009 within the U.S. market.

As of November 2014, Ford’s consumer hybrid lineup consisted of models such as Escape Hybrid (2004–2012), Mercury Mariner Hybrid (2005–2010), Mercury Milan Hybrid (2009–2010), Fusion Hybrid (2009–present), Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (2010–present), C-Max Hybrid (2012–present), and Mondeo Hybrid (2014–present). By mid-2012, Ford had sold approximately 200,000 full hybrids in the United States, increasing to over 344,000 units by late 2014. The Fusion Hybrid led domestic sales with 127,572 units sold, followed by Escape Hybrid at 117,997 and C-Max Hybrid at 54,236.

On a global scale, Ford ranks second only to Toyota as a manufacturer of hybrid vehicles, having produced more than 400,000 hybrid electric cars since 2004.

Plug-in electric vehicles

As of 2024, Ford's lineup of plug-in electric vehicles encompasses the Ford Escape/Kuga PHEV, Ford Ranger PHEV, Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Explorer EV (for the European market), E-Transit/Tourneo Courier, E-Transit Custom, and the E-Transit.

Bill Ford was among the pioneers in adopting battery electric vehicles, utilizing a Ford Ranger EV during Ford’s contract with the U.S. Postal Service to supply electric postal vans based on that model. Although Ford initially ceased production and destroyed its electric Ranger pickups, it reversed this policy in 2005 following environmental advocacy. Between 1998 and 2002, 205 units were leased to private individuals and approximately 1,500 to fleet customers.

Between 2009 and 2011, Ford marketed the TH!NK electric vehicle but halted production and reclaimed vehicles before resuming sales in Norway after customer demand. In the U.S., roughly 440 units were leased from 1999 through 2003.

In 2017, CEO Mark Fields announced a $4.5 billion investment dedicated to plug-in electric vehicle development through to 2020.

The Azure Transit Connect Electric van (2010–2012) was developed in partnership with Azure Dynamics; however, Azure served as the official manufacturer.

The Ford Focus Electric (2011–2018) was converted into a fully electric vehicle by Magna International and became available in the U.S. market starting December 2011. The C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid debuted in October 2012, followed by the Fusion Energi (2013–2020), both models utilizing shared powertrain technology.

In October 2017, Ford established Team Edison to expedite its electric vehicle initiatives, aiming to launch a compact SUV with a 300-mile range by 2020. This team is based in Detroit with additional offices located in Europe and Asia.

The Mustang Mach-E was unveiled in November 2019 and released as a 2021 model year vehicle. Manufactured at the Cuautitlán Assembly plant in Mexico, it initially enabled Ford to achieve profitability on its first unit—a notable accomplishment for an EV—though increased raw material costs diminished margins by mid-2022.

Ford introduced the F-150 Lightning electric pickup in May 2021; production commenced in April 2022 with deliveries starting the following month. Due to slower-than-expected sales, Ford reduced its planned weekly production for 2024 from 3,200 units to approximately 1,600. Additionally, in 2022, Ford began producing all-electric E-Transit cargo vans at its Kansas City facility.

Following a global partnership formed in 2019 with Volkswagen, Ford initiated development of European-market electric vehicles utilizing VW’s MEB platform and battery technology. The first outcome of this collaboration is the Ford Explorer EV, launched in March 2023 and manufactured at the Cologne plant in Germany. Delivery timelines have been postponed until mid-2024 due to updated battery regulations.

In March 2022, Ford created Model E as a dedicated division focused solely on electric vehicles with a goal of achieving profitability by 2026 while operating similarly to a startup. By June 2022, Ford revealed plans to revamp its dealership framework by implementing an e-commerce platform featuring fixed pricing designed to enhance profit margins comparable to Tesla’s approach. Concurrently, it pledged $3.7 billion toward hiring over 6,000 unionized workers across plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri with an objective of reaching two million EV sales annually by 2026.

In May 2023, Ford announced it would incorporate Tesla’s North American Charging System (NACS) into its electric vehicles beginning in 2024. Upcoming models will include native NACS ports while existing vehicles will be compatible via adapters granting access to Tesla’s extensive network exceeding 12,000 chargers throughout North America.

Hydrogen

Ford remains committed to advancing hydrogen-based technologies, including both fuel cell electric drivetrains and hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines. These developments are intended to lower emissions and reduce noise levels, thereby promoting better respiratory health and improving urban living conditions.

The company introduced hydrogen-fueled shuttle buses that replace traditional gasoline engines with hydrogen combustion engines, primarily serving airports and convention centers. At the 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford presented a hydrogen fuel cell Explorer SUV delivering 174 horsepower and boasting a 350-mile range—the longest distance recorded for a fuel cell vehicle at that period. This prototype, partially supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, represented Ford’s strategic commitment to hydrogen propulsion alongside other environmentally friendly technologies such as hybrid SUVs and clean diesel trucks.

Increased fuel efficiency

In July 2008, Ford expedited its transition toward more fuel-efficient vehicles by retooling its North American manufacturing plants from producing pickups and SUVs to smaller cars like the Ford Fiesta, aiming to complete this shift by 2011. The company also planned to introduce six European small car models into the U.S. market by 2012 as part of this strategic initiative.

Ford of Europe’s ECOnetic program is dedicated to lowering CO2 emissions and enhancing fuel economy through improvements in aerodynamics and the use of efficient Duratorq diesel engines. The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic earned recognition as Europe’s lowest-emission mass-produced vehicle, while the 2012 Focus ECOnetic outperformed rivals such as the Toyota Prius in fuel efficiency. However, due to limited consumer interest, ECOnetic variants are not currently slated for release in North America.

To encourage innovation in cost-effective fuel efficiency, Ford invited university teams to design simple, lightweight vehicles priced near $7,000, leading to concepts like the "2015 Ford Model T."

Under Chairman William Clay Ford’s guidance beginning in 2000, the company targeted a 25% improvement in SUV fuel economy by 2005 but later acknowledged that market conditions and expenses hindered achieving this objective. By 2007, Ford offered thirteen U.S. models capable of achieving over 30 miles per gallon on highways and reported reducing nearly three million pounds of smog-forming pollutants from models produced between 2004 and 2006.

Despite these advancements, the EPA has identified Ford as responsible for 54 Superfund hazardous waste sites, twelve of which have since been remediated.

Efficient buildings

In 2010, Ford installed a living roof at the Dearborn Truck plant within the Ford River Rouge Complex. Featuring sedum groundcover, this green roof captures and filters rainwater while helping regulate interior temperatures, thereby improving energy efficiency.

By 2016, Ford initiated a decade-long renovation plan for its Dearborn campus aimed at consolidating office and laboratory spaces into fewer but larger LEED-certified structures surrounded by wetlands and parklands. The modernized campus incorporates multi-level parking structures topped with solar panels and includes the new DTE Ford Central Energy Plant—a 34MW natural gas combined heat-and-power facility engineered for maximum efficiency and designed to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Sponsorships

Ford actively supports a variety of events and sports venues across the United States, including notable locations such as the Ford Center situated in downtown Evansville, Indiana and Ford Field located in downtown Detroit. For more than twenty years, the company has played a significant role as a sponsor of the UEFA Champions League and also backs Sky's broadcasting of Premier League soccer. Additionally, between 1994 and 1999, Ford served as the primary kit sponsor for the German Bundesliga team 1. FC Köln.

Sales figures

Year	U.S. Sales	Market Share
1997	3,877,458	25.0%
1998	3,922,604	24.5%
1999	4,163,369	23.9%
2000	4,202,820	23.6%
2001	3,971,364	22.7%
2002	3,623,709	21.2%
2003	3,483,719	20.5%
2004	3,331,676	19.3%
2005	3,153,875	18.1%
2006	2,901,090	17.0%
2007	2,507,366	15.2%
2008	1,988,376	14.7%
2009	1,620,888	15.3%
2010	1,935,462	16.4%
2011	2,143,101	16.4%
2012	2,250,165	15.2%
2013	2,493,918	15.7%
2014	2,480,942	14.7%
2015	2,613,162	14.6%
2016	2,614,697	14.6%
2017	2,586,715	14.7%
2018	2,497,318	14.1%
2019	2,422,698	13.8%
2020	2,044,744	13.7%
2021	1,905,955	12.4%

The table illustrates Ford's shifting sales volumes and market share within the United States over time, reflecting key patterns in its commercial expansion and competitive standing in the automotive sector.

External links

Ford Motor Company archives held at the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.