If you’ve ever wondered what car companies does Ford own, you’re not alone. The automotive landscape is a complex web of brands and holdings. Ford Motor Company’s brand holdings focus on its core automotive divisions and strategic electric vehicle investments.
This structure allows it to compete across different market segments and regions. While its portfolio has changed significantly over the decades, its current lineup tells a story of focus and future planning.
This article will provide a clear breakdown of every brand under the Ford umbrella today. We’ll also look at historic brands it has sold or discontinued and explain its current strategic partnerships.
What Car Companies Does Ford Own
Unlike some of its global competitors, Ford’s current brand portfolio is relatively focused. Following a major restructuring effort over the past two decades, the company sold off its premium European brands and other subsidiaries. Today, Ford’s ownership is centered on its core Ford brand and a significant stake in an electric vehicle startup.
The company’s strategy is now built on leveraging its iconic Blue Oval brand globally while making bold bets on the future of transportation. This marks a shift from the era of the Premier Automotive Group, which once housed luxury names like Jaguar and Land Rover.
Ford Motor Company: The Core Brand
The Ford brand itself is the heart of the corporation. It is not a separate company but the primary division through which most vehicles are developed, manufactured, and sold. This single brand is segmented into several key business units that operate worldwide.
These units are responsible for designing and producing the cars, trucks, and SUVs you see on the road. They handle everything from the affordable Ford Fiesta to the rugged Ford F-Series trucks and the iconic Mustang.
Ford North America
This is Ford’s largest and most profitable region. It oversees operations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Key products from this division include the F-Series pickups, the Explorer SUV, and the Mustang. The decisions made here often have a major impact on the company’s global strategy.
Ford Europe
Based in Cologne, Germany, this division designs and sells vehicles tailored for European markets. It focuses on smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers like the Ford Puma and the Ford Kuga. Ford Europe also plays a crucial role in the development of passenger vans.
Ford International Markets Group
This group manages operations in regions outside North America and Europe. This includes important markets like China, Australia, South America, and the ASEAN countries. Products are often adapted here to meet specific local preferences and regulations.
Ford Model E: The Electric Vehicle Division
In 2022, Ford reorganized its automotive business into three distinct units: Ford Blue (for internal combustion engines), Ford Model E (for electric vehicles and software), and Ford Pro (for commercial vehicles). Ford Model E is the company’s ambitious push into the EV space, responsible for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E.
Lincoln Motor Company: The Luxury Arm
Lincoln is Ford’s in-house luxury vehicle division. Founded in 1917, it was purchased by Ford in 1922. Lincoln serves as Ford’s direct competitor to other premium American brands like Cadillac, as well as global luxury marques.
Unlike Ford’s mainstream offerings, Lincoln focuses on premium materials, advanced comfort features, and a more personalized ownership experience. The brand has undergone a significant revitalization in recent years.
- Key Models: The Lincoln lineup currently consists almost entirely of SUVs, including the Corsair, Nautilus, Aviator, and Navigator. The only sedan remaining is the Lincoln Continental.
- Market Position: Lincoln is primarily focused on the North American and Chinese markets, where it has established a strong presence among luxury buyers.
- Design Philosophy: The brand emphasizes “quiet luxury” and serene driving experiences, often featuring distinctive design elements and exclusive interior themes.
Ford’s Strategic Stake In Rivian
While not a full ownership, Ford’s investment in Rivian Automotive is a key part of its modern strategy. In 2019, Ford invested $500 million into the electric truck and SUV startup. This move was seen as a strategic partnership to accelerate Ford’s own EV development.
However, the nature of this relationship has evolved. In 2021, both companies announced they would no longer pursue a joint vehicle platform. Ford has since sold off a significant portion of its Rivian stake, though it retains a small shareholding. This investment highlights Ford’s approach to gaining knowledge and exposure to new EV architectures.
Historic Brands Formerly Owned By Ford
To fully understand Ford’s current focus, it’s helpful to look at the major brands it has divested. The sale of these companies provided capital to restructure its core business and avoid bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis.
The Premier Automotive Group (PAG)
Formed in the late 1990s, PAG was Ford’s collection of premium European brands. The goal was to compete with other luxury conglomerates. Over time, Ford sold off all these marques to streamline its operations.
- Jaguar: Ford purchased Jaguar in 1989. It invested heavily in modernizing Jaguar’s lineup and manufacturing. Jaguar was sold to India’s Tata Motors in 2008 along with Land Rover.
- Land Rover: Acquired by Ford in 2000 from BMW, Land Rover was part of the PAG portfolio. Its sale to Tata Motors marked the end of Ford’s involvement with British off-road luxury vehicles.
- Volvo Cars: Ford bought Volvo’s car division in 1999. Under Ford, Volvo maintained its reputation for safety. It was sold to the Chinese automaker Geely in 2010.
- Aston Martin: Ford had a controlling interest in Aston Martin at various points since 1987. It sold the majority of its stake in 2007 to a consortium of investors, marking the begining of the PAG breakup.
Other Divested Mass-Market Brands
Beyond luxury cars, Ford also owned and later sold several other well-known automotive brands.
Mazda
Ford’s relationship with Mazda was long and complex. It began with a 25% stake in 1979, which grew to a controlling 33.4% ownership by the 1990s. Ford provided financial stability and shared platforms, while Mazda contributed engineering expertise. Ford gradually reduced its stake starting in 2008 and sold its final shares in 2015, ending the formal partnership.
Mercury
Launched in 1938, Mercury was Ford’s mid-priced brand, slotting between Ford and Lincoln. For decades, it offered slightly more upscale versions of Ford models. However, as market tastes changed, Mercury’s distinct identity faded. The brand was discontinued in 2011 as part of Ford’s “One Ford” global consolidation plan.
Ford’s Current Joint Ventures And Partnerships
While Ford’s direct ownership is narrow, it relies on a network of joint ventures and partnerships to operate globally. These collaborations are essential for sharing costs, accessing technology, and entering restricted markets.
Ford’s Partnership With Volkswagen
This is one of Ford’s most significant global alliances. Announced in 2019, it is not a merger or equity swap, but a series of agreements. The partnership focuses on shared development in key areas to save billions of dollars.
- Commercial Vehicles: Ford will develop and build medium-sized pickups for both companies, while VW will develop a city van for Ford in Europe.
- Electric Vehicles: Ford will use Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle platform to produce at least one high-volume EV for Europe starting in 2023.
- Autonomous Driving: Ford invested in Argo AI, an autonomous vehicle platform company. Volkswagen also joined as an investor, making Argo AI a shared asset between the two automotive giants.
Strategic Joint Ventures In China
To manufacture and sell vehicles in China, foreign automakers must partner with local Chinese companies. Ford operates through two primary joint ventures in this crucial market.
- Changan Ford: This partnership with Changan Automobile produces and distributes Ford brand passenger cars for the Chinese market.
- Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC): Ford holds a significant stake in JMC. This venture focuses on producing and selling commercial vehicles and Ford’s SUV models like the Territory specifically for China.
Why Ford’s Brand Portfolio Looks Different Today
The shift from a sprawling empire to a focused lineup was a deliberate strategic choice. Understanding the reasons behind this change explains a lot about the modern auto industry.
The “One Ford” Global Strategy
Spearheaded by former CEO Alan Mulally during the late 2000s crisis, the “One Ford” plan was about survival and efficiency. It involved three key steps that directly affected brand ownership.
- Simplifying the Brand Portfolio: Selling Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Volvo provided critical cash and allowed management to focus on fixing the core Ford and Lincoln brands.
- Globalizing Product Development: Instead of developing different cars for different regions, Ford began creating global platforms (like the Focus and Fiesta) that could be sold worldwide with minor adjustments.
- Restoring Profitability: The goal was to make the Ford brand profitable at lower volumes and in all regions, reducing dependence on North American truck sales alone.
Focusing On Core Strengths
After the restructuring, Ford doubled down on what it does best: trucks, commercial vehicles, and must-have SUVs. The capital from brand sales was reinvested into these high-profit segments. This focus is evident in its current bestselling vehicles, which are dominated by the F-Series, Ranger, and large SUVs.
The Electric Vehicle Pivot
Today’s strategic investments, like the creation of the Ford Model E division, require immense capital. Maintaining a lean brand portfolio frees up resources for the costly development of new EV platforms, battery technology, and software-defined vehicle features. The Rivian investment, even scaled back, was part of this learning phase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Ford Own Ferrari?
No, Ford does not own Ferrari. There is a historic connection: Ford attempted to buy Ferrari in the 1960s, but the deal famously fell through. This led Ford to develop the GT40 race car to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, a story depicted in the film “Ford v Ferrari.” Ferrari is currently part of the Stellantis group through its parent company, Exor.
Does Ford Own Mazda?
Ford does not own Mazda anymore. Ford held a controlling stake in Mazda for many years, but it began selling its shares in 2008 and divested completely by 2015. The two companies maintain a limited operational relationship in some areas, but Mazda is now an fully independent manufacturer.
What Luxury Car Company Does Ford Own?
Ford’s only owned luxury car company is the Lincoln Motor Company. Lincoln is Ford’s in-house premium division, offering a range of luxury SUVs and sedans. All other luxury brands it once owned, such as Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin, have been sold.
Is Ford Owned By Another Company?
No, Ford Motor Company is a publicly traded company (ticker: F) and is not owned by another automaker. The Ford family maintains significant influence through a special class of shares, but the company operates independently. It is one of the few American car companies that did not file for bankruptcy or require a government bailout in 2009.
Does Ford Own Volvo?
Ford no longer owns Volvo Cars. It purchased Volvo Cars in 1999 and owned it for 11 years before selling it to the Chinese automotive group Geely in 2010. The Volvo truck brand is a separate entity and was never owned by Ford.