Is Lincoln owned by Ford?
Yes. Lincoln is owned by Ford Motor Company, functioning as Ford's luxury brand and a wholly owned subsidiary. The relationship places Lincoln under Ford's corporate umbrella while preserving its distinct brand identity and dealer network.
This article explains how that ownership works, traces its historical roots, and explains what it means for Lincoln today.
Current ownership status
The key facts about who owns Lincoln today are summarized below.
Corporate relationship
- Lincoln is a division of Ford Motor Company.
- Ford owns Lincoln as a wholly owned subsidiary within its corporate structure.
- Lincoln operates as Ford's luxury brand, with its own branding, design language, and dealer network, but shares platforms and engineering with Ford products where appropriate.
- Ford acquired Lincoln in 1922, integrating the brand into Ford and establishing it as Ford's premium division.
- There have been no changes to Lincoln's ownership status in recent years; it remains part of Ford Motor Company.
Together, these points demonstrate that Lincoln is owned by Ford and functions as the luxury arm within Ford Motor Company.
Historical background
The following timeline highlights how Lincoln moved from an independent automaker to a division within Ford.
Key milestones
- 1917: Lincoln Motor Company is founded by Henry M. Leland in Detroit to produce luxury automobiles.
- 1922: Ford Motor Company purchases Lincoln and folds it into Ford as a distinct luxury division.
- 1930s–1970s: Lincoln grows as Ford's premium brand, expanding its model lineup and reinforcing a luxury image.
- 1980s–2000s: Lincoln undergoes modernization and product refreshes under Ford's platform and product-planning strategies.
- 2020s–present: Lincoln continues as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford, with ongoing investments aligned to Ford's electrification and global strategy.
These milestones show that Lincoln's ownership has been tied to Ford since 1922, and it remains part of Ford Motor Company today.
Summary
Bottom line: Lincoln is owned by Ford. It operates as Ford Motor Company's luxury division, a status established when Ford acquired Lincoln in 1922. The brand has evolved within Ford's corporate umbrella, maintaining its distinct identity while benefiting from Ford's engineering resources and strategic plans for the future.
