Did Ford used to own Mazda?
Yes. Ford never owned Mazda outright, but it held a significant minority stake in Mazda for several decades, giving Ford substantial influence without full ownership. That stake was eventually sold off, and Mazda operates independently today.
To understand the question fully, it helps to recall how the Ford–Mazda relationship began, how the equity stake evolved, and what remains of the partnership in the present day. The arrangement shaped product development, manufacturing, and strategic choices for both companies for many years before being redefined in the 2010s and 2020s.
Origins and evolution of the ownership stake
The following milestones trace how Ford's ownership and influence in Mazda evolved over time.
- 1979: Ford acquired a significant minority stake in Mazda, marking the start of a formal equity partnership.
- 1980s–1990s: Ford's stake grew, making it Mazda's largest single shareholder and giving Ford substantial influence without full ownership.
- 1990s–2000s: The alliance expanded beyond ownership into joint product development and manufacturing collaboration, including shared platforms and plant operations.
- 2010s: Ford began divesting its Mazda stake, gradually selling shares and reducing its influence in the company.
- Mid to late 2010s: Ford's stake was eventually reduced to a small minority and was fully exited over the period.
In summary, Ford's investment shaped the alliance for decades, but it did not grant full ownership, and that equity link is now dissolved with Mazda operating independently.
Current status and ongoing collaboration
The present status: Mazda is independent, and Ford does not own any stake. However, the two brands still cooperate in various capacities, including technology sharing and supplier relationships, reflecting their long history of collaboration.
- Continued collaboration on technology and engineering topics, leveraging shared know-how from the historical alliance.
- Past joint development and production arrangements that helped both companies reduce costs and expand capabilities.
- Independent corporate structures today, with collaboration limited to select projects rather than a controlling equity relationship.
These arrangements illustrate how the historic Ford–Mazda alliance persists in limited forms even after the divestment of Ford's ownership stake.
Summary
Ford did not own Mazda outright, but it held a substantial minority stake for several decades, shaping the partnership through influence rather than control. That stake was gradually sold off during the 2010s and 2020s, and Mazda now operates independently. The legacy endures in ongoing collaboration on select projects and the sharing of engineering know-how.
Did Ford start Mazda?
Mazda, founded in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo, became an independent automaker. It gained renown for its unique rotary engines and innovative vehicle designs. Ford owned a 33.4% stake in Mazda until 2015, ending its control. Mazda is now independent, with a strategic alliance with Toyota (5.05% stake).
What brands has Ford owned in the past?
Ford has owned many companies over the years, including the luxury brands Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Volvo. Other notable past ownerships include the mid-range Mercury brand and the Hertz Corporation. In addition to its own namesake brand, Ford currently owns Lincoln and the Brazilian off-road brand Troller.
Previously owned brands
- Aston Martin: A British sports car manufacturer, owned from 1993 to 2007.
- Jaguar: A British luxury car manufacturer, owned from 1989 to 2008.
- Land Rover: An off-road vehicle brand, owned from 2000 to 2008.
- Mercury: A medium-priced brand established to bridge the gap between Ford and Lincoln, which was discontinued in 2011.
- Volvo: Ford sold the automotive division of Volvo in 2010 after acquiring it in 1999.
- Hertz Corporation: Ford sold the car rental company in 2005.
- Other brands: Ford has also owned or had stakes in other brands, such as Mazda (33.4% stake from 1996 to 2008), Rivian (partnership, not ownership), Philco, and Ghia.
Current brands
- Ford: The original and main brand of the company.
- Lincoln: The luxury vehicle division of Ford Motor Company.
- Troller: A Brazilian off-road vehicle manufacturer.
Is Mazda owned by Ford?
No, Ford no longer owns Mazda, though they had a significant partnership for decades. Ford began selling its shares in Mazda in 2008 and had divested nearly all of its stake by 2015, at which point Mazda became a fully independent company. Mazda is now a standalone entity, with Toyota holding a small stake and major Japanese banks as key shareholders, say Koeppel Mazda, Sport Mazda South, and Alden Mazda.
- Partnership details: Ford Motor Company owned a peak of 33.4% of Mazda in 2005 but began to sell its stake during the 2008 financial crisis.
- Independence: By 2015, Ford had sold its remaining shares, and Mazda was once again fully independent.
- Current ownership: Mazda Motor Corporation is headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, and operates as its own company. Toyota is a partner and holds a small stake, but is not an owner.
Who originally owned Mazda?
Jujiro Matsuda
Jujiro Matsuda is the man who founded a company known as Mazda Motor Corporation today. far from peaceful and well-endowed, Jujiro was constantly driven by his passion for manufacturing.
