How many brands did Ford own?
Ford Motor Company, one of the most iconic automakers in the world, has a rich history of owning and managing multiple automotive brands. Over the years, Ford has expanded its portfolio by acquiring other companies and creating new brands to cater to different market segments. In this article, we’ll explore the brands Ford has owned and their significance in the automotive industry.
The Core Brands Owned by Ford
Ford Motor Company has primarily focused on its flagship brand, Ford, which is synonymous with innovation, reliability, and affordability. However, the company has also owned several other brands to diversify its offerings and compete in various market segments. Here are the key brands Ford has owned:
- Ford: The flagship brand, known for its wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and sedans.
- Lincoln: Ford’s luxury vehicle division, offering premium cars and SUVs designed to compete with brands like Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz.
Brands Previously Owned by Ford
In addition to its core brands, Ford has owned several other automotive companies in the past. These acquisitions were often aimed at expanding Ford’s global reach or entering new market segments. Some of the notable brands Ford previously owned include:
- Mercury: A mid-range brand positioned between Ford and Lincoln, Mercury was discontinued in 2010 after decades of production.
- Jaguar: Acquired in 1989, Jaguar was part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group (PAG) until it was sold to Tata Motors in 2008.
- Land Rover: Purchased in 2000, Land Rover was also part of the PAG and sold to Tata Motors alongside Jaguar in 2008.
- Volvo: Acquired in 1999, Volvo Cars was another PAG brand that Ford sold to Geely, a Chinese automaker, in 2010.
- Aston Martin: Ford held a controlling stake in Aston Martin from 1987 to 2007, after which it sold most of its shares but retained a small minority stake.
- Mazda: While not fully owned, Ford had a significant stake in Mazda for many years, collaborating on various projects and sharing technology. Ford gradually reduced its stake, and by 2015, it no longer held a significant share in Mazda.
Why Ford Sold Some of Its Brands
Ford’s decision to sell some of its brands was primarily driven by financial challenges and a strategic shift to focus on its core operations. During the late 2000s, the global financial crisis hit the automotive industry hard, and Ford needed to streamline its operations to remain competitive. By divesting from brands like Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo, Ford was able to concentrate on strengthening the Ford and Lincoln brands.
Conclusion
At its peak, Ford owned a diverse portfolio of brands, ranging from luxury vehicles to mid-range and specialty cars. Today, the company focuses on its core brands, Ford and Lincoln, while continuing to innovate and adapt to the evolving automotive landscape. The legacy of the brands Ford once owned remains a testament to its influence and ambition in the global automotive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many brands does Ford own?
Ford Motor Company: Ford, Lincoln, Troller. General Motors: Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet, Holden.
Did GM almost buy Ford?
In fact, Durant almost purchased Ford in 1909. After getting GM in shape, Durant had Henry Ford agree to sell the company for $8 million. The loan committee of the bank, however, passed on this deal. If Durant had had the cash, Ford would have become a division of GM.
Who is the world's largest automaker?
Toyota Motor Corporation maintained its position as the world's largest manufacturer of motor vehicles in 2024, with sales of approximately 10.8 million units. This figure surpassed its closest competitor, the Volkswagen Group, which delivered 9.03 million vehicles.
Did Ford own Land Rover?
Land Rover, along with Jaguar Cars, was bought by Tata Motors from Ford in 2008. The two British brands were joined under Tata Motors to become Jaguar Land Rover Limited in 2013.
Does Ford own Chevy?
Yes, General Motors (GM) owns Chevy, along with GMC, Buick, and Cadillac. GM was first launched in 1908 in Flint, Michigan, and the automotive brand has been at the forefront of automotive innovation ever since.
Which car company owns the most brands?
Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group holds the title for owning the most different car brands. VW Group expanded its global reach of car company ownership with a diverse portfolio of acquisitions including Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini.
Did Ford own BMW?
BMW Group owns BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce. Daimler AG owns Mercedes-Benz and Smart. Ford Motor Co. owns Ford and Lincoln.
Did Ford own Volvo?
Renowned for their years of leadership in automotive safety, Volvo Cars was purchased by the Ford Motor Company and remained part of their Premier Automotive brands from 1999 to 2010. The automaker is now owned by Geely Automobile, a major automotive brand based in China.
Who is bigger, Ford or GM?
Key Takeaways. Ford and General Motors are the two biggest automakers in the United States and are also big players on the world stage. General Motors leads in US market share.
Does Ford own Kia?
Hyundai Motor Company acquired 51% of the company, outbidding Ford Motor Company, which had owned an interest in Kia Motors since 1986. After subsequent divestments, Hyundai Motor Company owns about one third of Kia Motor Corporation.
