Ford Motor Company of Japan
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Sales & Frazar (distributor from 1917) |
| Founded | 1925 |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Yokohama , Japan |
Area served | Japan |
| Parent | Ford Motor Company |
Ford Motor Company of Japan Limited functioned as the Japanese branch of the American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company.
History
Prior to establishing a formal presence, Ford vehicles were distributed in Japan starting in 1917 by Sales & Frazar, although no dedicated dealer network existed at that time. In 1922, Russell I. Roberge, then Ford's Export Manager, recognized the promising opportunities in the Japanese market despite existing infrastructural limitations.
In 1925, Ford set up a subsidiary located in Yokohama. Between 1925 and 1935, the Japanese automotive sector was largely controlled by American producers, including Ford (from 1926/27), General Motors, and Chrysler (beginning in 1930). By 1930, Ford and General Motors together commanded approximately 95% of the market share. However, a 1936 regulation limiting foreign manufacturers' production expansion, combined with economic and political pressures, caused Ford to effectively cease operations in Japan by 1939.
Following Japan's entry into World War II, the Ford entity was officially disbanded in 1941. Attempts to reestablish operations after the war were unsuccessful due to failed partnerships with Nissan and Toyota, as well as difficulties in liquidating assets.
Ford recommenced importing vehicles into Japan in 1974. During the mid-1980s, cars produced by Mazda were marketed under the Ford name through badge engineering—a strategy that distinguished American brands within the Japanese market. Some references identify Ford as a manufacturer but cite Mazda’s headquarters as the production base.
In January 2016, citing ongoing unprofitability, Ford declared its withdrawal from both the Japanese and Indonesian markets, finalizing its exit by the end of that year.
Models
In Japan, Ford mainly offered imported vehicles configured for left-hand drive, with limited exceptions such as the third-generation Ford Taurus. Certain models like the Ford Escape were manufactured by Ford Lio Ho Motor in Taiwan.
External links
- (ford.co.jp – archived, 5 Dec 2017)
- Ford Service Japan
- Articles with short description
- Car manufacturers of Japan
- Ford Motor Company
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1925
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 2016
- Japanese subsidiaries of foreign companies
- Japanese companies established in 1925
- Japanese companies disestablished in 2016
- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of Japan
- Manufacturing companies based in Yokohama