What brand is owned by Ford?
Lincoln is the brand owned by Ford Motor Company.
Beyond that basic fact, Lincoln serves as Ford’s luxury-vehicle division, and the question of brand ownership reflects a broader history of which brands Ford has owned, controlled, or divested over the years.
Lincoln: Ford's luxury division
Lincoln operates as Ford’s premium brand, focusing on luxury sedans, SUVs, and crossovers. It is designed to compete with other high-end automakers in markets around the world, while pursuing electrification and premium technology in its latest models.
Overview of Lincoln's current role within Ford’s lineup.
- Lincoln is Ford Motor Company's dedicated luxury brand, established in 1917 and known for models such as the Navigator, Aviator, Corsair, and Nautilus in recent years.
- The brand emphasizes a quiet, comfortable cabin, refined design, and advanced technology to deliver a premium ownership experience.
- In marketing and product planning, Lincoln operates with a distinct identity from the Ford brand, aiming to attract luxury buyers with a separate showroom and customer journey.
Looking ahead, Lincoln is pursuing further electrification and expanded model options to strengthen its position in the premium segment.
Other brands Ford has owned in the past
Over the decades, Ford’s portfolio has included several brands that it later divested or retired. These cases illustrate how automakers reshape their brands to focus on core strengths and strategic priorities.
Notable examples of brands once under Ford's umbrella include those that have since changed hands or ceased production.
- Mercury — Ford's mid-range, domestic brand in North America, discontinued after the 2010 model year as the company restructured its brand portfolio.
- Volvo Cars — the Swedish brand was owned by Ford from 1999 until Geely acquired it in 2010, reshaping Volvo's corporate strategy.
- Jaguar Land Rover — Ford owned Jaguar and Land Rover as part of its Premier Automotive Group from 2000 until selling JLR to Tata Motors in 2008 (with subsequent ownership changes thereafter).
These shifts illustrate how Ford recalibrates its global lineup, sometimes exiting brands to new owners while investing in core offerings under the Ford and Lincoln banners.
What this means for consumers
For buyers and enthusiasts, the key takeaway is that Lincoln remains Ford's flagship luxury brand today, with ongoing investments in premium design, technology, and electrification. The history of past brand ownership also highlights the dynamic nature of the auto industry and how corporate portfolios evolve with market demands.
Summary
Lincoln is Ford's luxury division, representing the premium side of the company’s lineup. Ford's ownership history includes past control of brands such as Volvo Cars and Jaguar Land Rover, and the eventual retirement of Mercury, underscoring how automakers adapt their brand strategies over time to focus on core capabilities and evolving consumer preferences.
