Are Ford and Mazda affiliated?
The two automakers are affiliated through a long-standing strategic alliance rather than a merger.
They remain independent companies that collaborate on product development, engineering, and manufacturing in various markets. Ford historically held a minority stake in Mazda, and the partnership continues to exist in a scaled, joint-project form as of 2024.
History of the alliance
The partnership between Ford and Mazda has evolved over decades, shaped by shared goals and shifting ownership. Here are the key moments that defined their relationship:
- 1979: Ford and Mazda formally establish a strategic alliance to collaborate on small-car development, manufacturing, and distribution.
- 1980s–1990s: Ford takes a minority stake in Mazda and the companies share platforms, engineering, and global automotive know‑how.
- 2000s: The partners expand joint ventures and manufacturing collaborations, including cross‑border production arrangements and joint procurement initiatives.
- 2010s–2020s: Ford reduces its equity position in Mazda and the ties remain primarily through ongoing joint projects, technology sharing, and platform collaboration rather than cross-ownership.
These milestones illustrate a relationship that has persisted for decades, evolving from equity-based collaboration to a more streamlined, project-driven alliance while maintaining distinct corporate identities.
Current structure and ownership
What the affiliation looks like today centers on collaboration rather than an integrated corporate family. Ford and Mazda continue to work together on select programs, while each company remains independently owned and operated.
Here are examples of how the partnership manifests in the present-day context:
- Shared platforms and engineering resources to optimize product development across regions.
- Joint manufacturing arrangements and coordinated supply chain efforts for specific models and markets.
- Collaboration on electrification, connectivity, and advanced driver-assistance systems to accelerate technology adoption.
- Coordinated procurement and supplier relationships to improve efficiency and cost management.
In summary, the alliance today focuses on strategic collaboration rather than ownership or full integration, allowing both brands to leverage each other’s strengths while preserving their individual identities.
Impact on products and customers
For consumers, the alliance translates into shared engineering that can influence features, technology, and price competitiveness across Ford and Mazda models sold in different markets. The collaboration often results in common components, but distinct design philosophies and branding remain a core part of each company's approach.
Summary
Ford and Mazda are affiliated through a longstanding strategic alliance that continues to shape joint development and manufacturing efforts without a full merger or consolidated ownership. The partnership has evolved from equity-based collaboration to a focused, project-driven relationship that benefits both brands while keeping them independently operated. For customers, this often means access to shared technology and efficient production, alongside each company's distinct styling and market positioning.
What did Ford have to do with Mazda?
Partnership with Ford. From 1974 to 2015, Mazda had a partnership with the Ford Motor Company, which acquired a 24.5% stake in 1979, upped to a 33.4% ownership of Mazda in May 1995.
Are Ford and Mazda linked?
Mazda is owned by the Mazda Motor Corporation, based near Hiroshima, Japan. Back in 1979, the Ford Motor Company bought shares in the company and owned over 33 percent of the company by 1995.
Is Mazda still owned by Ford?
No, Ford no longer owns Mazda; the partnership ended when Ford sold its remaining shares in 2015. Mazda is now an independent company, though the two companies maintain some strategic alliances.
- Past ownership: Ford began a partnership with Mazda in 1974 and increased its stake to a high of 33.4%.
- Divestiture: After the 2008 financial crisis, Ford began selling off its shares, with the process completing in 2015.
- Current status: Mazda is now a fully independent company, and Ford's ownership is negligible.
- Continued relationship: Despite the end of the ownership, the two companies still have some strategic partnerships.
Do mazdas still use Ford parts?
No, modern Mazdas do not use Ford parts, as the two companies' partnership ended when Ford sold its remaining stake in Mazda in 2015. However, many older Mazdas, especially those from the 1990s through the early 2010s, did use shared parts and platforms with Ford due to their long-standing partnership and a period of Ford ownership. Examples of shared parts include engines, chassis components, and other smaller parts like belts and sensors.
Before the partnership ended
- Shared platforms: Mazda and Ford shared platforms, like the C1 platform used for the second-generation Mazda3 and some Ford vehicles.
- Shared engines: Some Mazdas used engines that were originally developed by Mazda but also modified and used by Ford, such as the 2.0L MZR engine used in the NC MX-5 and some Ford vehicles. Other times, Ford-developed engines were used in Mazdas.
- Shared parts: Individual components like alternators, water pumps, and even sensors were shared between the two brands.
- Joint production: Mazda and Ford also jointly operated manufacturing plants, such as AutoAlliance Thailand.
After the partnership ended
- Full independence: After Ford sold its stake in Mazda in 2015, Mazda became a fully independent company again.
- Separate engineering: Today, Mazda has its own engine and platform programs, and modern Mazdas do not share parts with Ford.
- No current use of Ford parts: Any user looking at a 2015 or newer Mazda can be assured it does not use any Ford parts.
