What car company did Ford own?
Ford has owned several other car brands in its history, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo Cars, and Aston Martin. It does not own them today.
Historically, Ford built its expansion by acquiring and later divesting various premium and luxury brands. The most notable examples were Jaguar (1989–2008), Land Rover (as part of the Premier Automotive Group, roughly 2000–2008), Volvo Cars (1999–2010), and Aston Martin (a long-standing stake that Ford gradually reduced and ultimately divested by 2013). Today, Jaguar Land Rover is owned by Tata Motors, Volvo Cars by Geely, and Aston Martin by a private-investment consortium, while Ford’s current multi-brand portfolio centers on Ford and Lincoln.
Brands Ford Has Owned
The following list covers the main external brands Ford owned and the period during which those ownerships existed.
- Jaguar — acquired in 1989; sold to Tata Motors in 2008.
- Land Rover — acquired in 2000 as part of the Premier Automotive Group; sold to Tata Motors in 2008, continuing under Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
- Volvo Cars — acquired in 1999; sold to Geely in 2010.
- Aston Martin — Ford held a significant stake for many years beginning in the late 1980s; Ford fully divested by 2013.
These divestments reflect Ford’s shift away from owning external premium brands toward focusing on its core operations. Today, Jaguar Land Rover is under Tata Motors, Volvo Cars is under Geely, and Aston Martin operates under a private-investment consortium, while Ford concentrates on Ford and Lincoln as its in-house brands.
Current Status and Context
What Ford owns today
Currently, Ford Motor Company owns and operates its own brands, Ford and Lincoln. It does not own external car brands the way it did in the past.
Why the divestments happened
The divestments were driven by strategic realignment, the need for capital during market downturns, and a focus on core automotive operations. By selling these brands, Ford aimed to strengthen liquidity, reduce complexity, and concentrate on its remaining portfolio and future mobility initiatives.
Summary
Ford's history includes ownership of several major brands beyond its own badge engineering. Jaguar and Land Rover were part of Ford's portfolio until 2008, Volvo Cars until 2010, and Aston Martin until 2013. Today, those brands are owned by Tata Motors (Jaguar Land Rover) and Geely (Volvo Cars), with Aston Martin under a private consortium, while Ford continues to operate Ford and Lincoln as its primary brands.
What car company did Ford buy out?
Henry Ford considered the purchase of the Lincoln Motor Company as a personal victory because Leland had previously led a group of investors that had forced Ford out of the Detroit Automobile Company.
Did Ford ever own Aston Martin?
Yes, Ford Motor Company owned Aston Martin from 1987 until 2007. Ford initially bought a 75% stake in 1987 and later took full ownership in 1994 before selling the company to a group of investors in 2007.
- Initial acquisition: Ford purchased 75% of Aston Martin in 1987, with the goal of providing capital and access to its technical and research departments.
- Full ownership: Ford acquired full ownership of the brand in 1994.
- The Ford era: During its 20-year ownership, Aston Martin's production increased, and it introduced new models like the DB7, which was its most produced car at the time.
- Sale: In 2007, Ford sold Aston Martin to a group of investors for $925 million as part of a restructuring plan, though Ford retained a small stake in the company.
What brands has Ford owned?
Ford currently owns the Ford and Lincoln automotive brands, along with the Motorcraft auto parts brand. The company also owns Troller, a Brazilian off-road vehicle manufacturer, and operates numerous subsidiaries for services like automotive finance through Ford Motor Credit Company. While it once owned Mercury, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo, these were sold off, and its stake in Aston Martin was sold in 2020.
Current brands
- Ford: The original and primary brand, offering a wide range of vehicles, from cars and trucks to SUVs.
- Lincoln: Ford's luxury vehicle division.
- Troller: A Brazilian manufacturer of off-road vehicles.
- Motorcraft: A brand of auto parts and service.
Other assets
- Ford Motor Credit Company: Provides automotive financing services.
- Subsidiaries: Ford owns various international subsidiaries in countries like Canada, Brazil, China, and Australia.
- Joint Ventures: Ford has joint ventures, such as a 50/50 partnership in China with Changan Ford.
Previously owned brands
- Mercury: Discontinued in 2010.
- Jaguar and Land Rover: Sold to Tata Motors.
- Volvo: Sold to the Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
- Aston Martin: Ford sold its stake in 2020, and the brand is now controlled by other investors.
Is Mazda still owned by Ford?
No, Ford no longer owns Mazda; the partnership ended when Ford sold its remaining shares in 2015. Mazda is now an independent company, though the two companies maintain some strategic alliances.
- Past ownership: Ford began a partnership with Mazda in 1974 and increased its stake to a high of 33.4%.
- Divestiture: After the 2008 financial crisis, Ford began selling off its shares, with the process completing in 2015.
- Current status: Mazda is now a fully independent company, and Ford's ownership is negligible.
- Continued relationship: Despite the end of the ownership, the two companies still have some strategic partnerships.
