Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, commonly known as Ford, is an American multinational automaker that has its main headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. The company sells automobiles and commercial vehicles under the Ford brand, and most luxury cars under the Lincoln brand. Ford also owns Brazilian SUV manufacturer Troller, an 8% stake in Aston Martin of the United Kingdom, and a 32% stake in Jiangling Motors of China. It also has joint ventures in China (Changan Ford), Taiwan (Ford Lio Ho), Thailand (AutoAlliance Thailand), Turkey (Ford Otosan), and Russia (Ford Sollers). The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is controlled by the Ford family; they have minority ownership but the majority of the voting power.

History

Ford was launched in a converted factory in 1903 with $28,000 in cash from twelve investors, most notably John and Horace Dodge (who would later found their own car company). The first Ford car, the Model T, was introduced in 1908 and was a massive success. The Model T was produced for 19 years and was affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. This vehicle revolutionized transportation and American industry. By 1913, Ford introduced the first moving assembly line for cars, significantly reducing assembly time per vehicle and lowering costs, which democratized automobile ownership.

Operations

Today, Ford operates globally, with manufacturing operations worldwide. The company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. Ford also provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

Products

Ford's current lineup includes a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Popular models include the Ford F-Series, the best-selling vehicle in the United States for several decades, the Ford Mustang, a classic American sports car, and the Ford Explorer, a pioneering SUV. Ford is also investing heavily in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technology, with models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Ford F-150 Lightning.

Environmental Initiatives

Ford has made commitments to increase its production of electric vehicles and invest in renewable energy. The company aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, focusing on three main areas: vehicle use, its supply base, and the company’s facilities.

Controversies

Over the years, Ford has been involved in several controversies, including safety issues and environmental concerns. Notably, the Ford Pinto case in the 1970s, where it was revealed that the car's design could cause the fuel tank to explode upon rear impact, led to significant legal and ethical discussions about corporate responsibility.

See Also

• Automotive industry
• Henry Ford
• Model T
• Electric vehicle
• Corporate social responsibility