Does GM own part of Ford?
No. GM does not own a stake in Ford, and Ford does not own a stake in GM. The two companies are independent, publicly traded automakers.
The question often arises because GM and Ford have long histories, compete in the same industry, and are frequently compared by investors and consumers. This article explains the current ownership status and provides a brief historical context.
Current ownership landscape
Here are the essential facts about the ownership relationship between GM and Ford today:
- General Motors Company (GM) and Ford Motor Company (Ford) are separate, independently owned corporations.
- GM trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker GM; Ford trades on the NYSE under the ticker F. Each company has its own board, governance, and ownership structure.
- There is no cross-ownership: neither GM owns a stake in Ford nor Ford owns a stake in GM.
- Investors may own shares in both companies, but that does not create an ownership link between them.
- If there were any cross-ownership or control, it would require regulatory filings and would be publicly disclosed; none exist as of 2025.
In short, the current landscape is clear: GM and Ford remain independent, with no parent-subsidiary relationship between them.
Historical context
Over the decades, GM and Ford have undergone transformations involving other brands and corporate strategies, but that history does not include cross-ownership between the two automakers.
Notable past events include:
- General Motors once controlled Saab Automobile AB (the Swedish brand) during the Saab era; GM sold Saab to Spyker in 2010 after years of restructuring; Saab subsequently faced bankruptcy and ceased automobile production under GM's stewardship.
- GM discontinued other brands such as Pontiac (in 2010) and Saturn (in 2010), consolidating its product lineup in a move separate from Ford's strategies.
- Ford Motor Company did not own GM; Ford’s own brand transitions included Mercury’s discontinuation in 2010, reflecting Ford's independent path.
- Investors can own stakes in both companies separately; for example, Berkshire Hathaway has held a substantial stake in Ford in recent years, illustrating independent investment in Ford rather than cross-ownership with GM.
These historical notes illustrate how automakers evolve over time while reinforcing that GM and Ford have never formed a cross-ownership arrangement with each other.
Summary
As of 2025, General Motors does not own any stake in Ford, and Ford does not own any stake in General Motors. Both companies operate independently, and any investment by a third party in one does not translate into ownership of the other. They remain separate, competing automakers with their own corporate structures and strategies.
