Is Mazda owned by Ford?
No. Mazda is not owned by Ford. Ford previously held a stake in Mazda as part of a long-running partnership, but that stake has been sold and Mazda now operates as an independent company with a diversified ownership base.
This article traces how the Ford-Mazda relationship developed over the years and explains Mazda’s current ownership structure, including any remaining cross-shareholdings and strategic alliances.
Historical ties between Ford and Mazda
Here are the key milestones in Ford's involvement with Mazda.
- Ford and Mazda established a long-standing partnership that spanned several decades, encompassing joint development, technology sharing, and coordinated manufacturing efforts.
- The two companies created joint manufacturing ventures, including the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, to produce vehicles for both brands.
- At various points, Ford held a significant minority stake in Mazda, reflecting a deep level of collaboration and influence over product development and manufacturing decisions.
- Starting in the late 2000s and continuing into the 2010s, Ford began divesting its stake in Mazda, signaling a shift away from direct ownership while maintaining some collaborative initiatives.
- During the same period, Mazda’s strategic focus expanded toward alliances with other automakers, most notably with Toyota, as the global auto industry pursued joint development in electrification and new platforms.
In summary, the Ford-Mazda ownership relationship ended with Ford selling its stake, and Mazda today operates independently with a diversified investor base and a broader network of partnerships.
Mazda's current ownership
Here are the main features of Mazda's current ownership structure.
- Mazda is a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with ownership distributed among many private and institutional investors.
- There is no single parent company that controls Mazda; ownership is dispersed, and major decisions are guided by a broad shareholder base and the company’s board.
- Toyota Motor Corporation has been noted as a significant shareholder in Mazda in recent years, reflecting the broader alliance between the two automakers.
- In addition to cross-shareholdings with other firms, Mazda has pursued strategic partnerships and joint development programs with various manufacturers, including but not limited to Toyota, as part of its global strategy.
Overall, Mazda remains independent of Ford, with ownership spread across investors and fortified by strategic alliances rather than any single corporate owner.
Summary
Bottom line: Mazda is not owned by Ford. Ford relinquished its ownership stake years ago, and Mazda operates as an independent, publicly traded company with a diversified shareholder base. While historical collaboration with Ford shaped Mazda’s development, today Mazda aligns with other partners and maintains autonomy from Ford.
What car brands are owned by Ford?
Ford Motor Company produces all of the Lincoln, Mercury, and Ford brands but they also have part ownership with Mazda, Aston Marin, and Volvo.
Do Fords use Mazda engines?
It was co-developed with Ford, who owned a controlling stake in Mazda at the time. Ford uses it as their 1.8 L to 2.5 L Duratec world engine and holds a license to develop engines based on the L-series in perpetuity.
Which company owns Mazda?
the Mazda Motor Corporation
As of 2008, Mazda is an independent company that owns most of its own shares. In addition to the Mazda Motor Corporation, other major shareholders include the Master Trust Bank of Japan, the Custody Bank of Japan Ltd, and the Toyota Motor Company (which signed a long-term partnership with Mazda in 2015).
Is a Mazda basically a Ford?
Mazda is owned by the Mazda Motor Corporation, based near Hiroshima, Japan. Back in 1979, the Ford Motor Company bought shares in the company and owned over 33 percent of the company by 1995. By 2015, the shares were sold and the Ford Motor Company no longer owned part of Mazda.
