Are Lincoln cars owned by Ford?
Yes. Lincoln is Ford Motor Company's luxury brand and operates as a division within Ford, not as a separate company.
Lincoln began as an independent automaker in 1917 but was acquired by Ford in 1922 and has remained part of Ford's corporate structure ever since. This article explains the ownership relationship, its history, and how the brand is positioned within Ford today.
Ownership history
Here are the key moments that explain how Lincoln became and remains part of Ford.
- 1917: Lincoln Motor Company is founded in Detroit by Henry M. Leland to produce luxury automobiles.
- 1922: Ford Motor Company purchases Lincoln and folds it into Ford as its premium luxury division.
- 1939: The Continental becomes Lincoln's iconic flagship model, reinforcing the brand's luxury image.
- 1950s–1960s: Lincoln expands its lineup and solidifies its reputation for spacious, comfortable luxury sedans and personal Town Car models.
- Late 20th–early 21st century: Ford continues to invest in Lincoln, with branding efforts and product refreshes intended to compete with other luxury brands.
- 2010s–present: Lincoln undertakes a brand repositioning to emphasize modern luxury and premium design while remaining a division of Ford Motor Company.
These milestones show Lincoln's evolution from an independent maker to a brand within Ford, aligned with Ford's broader strategy for its premium offerings.
Current structure and market positioning
Today, Lincoln is a brand owned by Ford Motor Company. It is not a separate company; it's Ford's luxury division. While Lincoln maintains its own design language and model lineup, it relies on Ford's manufacturing, supply chain, dealer network, and corporate governance.
- Ownership: Lincoln is a brand under Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F).
- Organizational placement: Lincoln operates as Ford's premium division, alongside the Ford brand within Ford's corporate framework.
- Product strategy: Lincoln focuses on luxury SUVs and sedans with a distinct design language, while sharing technology and platforms with Ford where appropriate.
In short, Lincoln remains a Ford brand—an independent-sounding luxury marque, but ultimately owned by Ford and integrated into its corporate structure.
Additional context
For consumers, the practical implication is straightforward: Lincoln shares Ford's dealer network and service infrastructure, while marketing itself as a premium option within Ford's lineup. For investors, Lincoln's performance is reported as part of Ford's overall results, not as a separately traded entity.
Summary
Lincoln is entirely owned by Ford Motor Company and functions as Ford's luxury division. While it maintains a distinct brand identity and product lineup, it remains integrated within Ford's corporate structure and strategy, a relationship that has persisted since Ford acquired Lincoln in 1922.
