What cars did Ford and Mazda make together?
Ford and Mazda have a long history of collaboration that dates back to the late 1970s. Their partnership resulted in the co-development of several vehicles, combining Ford's global reach and resources with Mazda's engineering expertise. This article explores the cars that were born from this unique collaboration, highlighting their shared platforms and technologies.
The Origins of the Ford-Mazda Partnership
Ford and Mazda began their partnership in 1979 when Ford acquired a 25% stake in Mazda. This collaboration allowed both companies to share resources, reduce costs, and develop vehicles that appealed to a global audience. Over the years, this partnership produced a variety of cars that were either co-developed or rebadged versions of each other's models.
Notable Cars Developed by Ford and Mazda
Here are some of the most notable vehicles that came out of the Ford-Mazda partnership:
- Ford Probe: Developed in the late 1980s, the Ford Probe was based on the Mazda GD and GE platforms, which were also used for the Mazda MX-6 and Mazda 626. The Probe was designed as a sporty coupe and shared many components with its Mazda counterparts.
- Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger: The Mazda B-Series pickup trucks and the Ford Ranger shared platforms and were essentially the same vehicles with different branding. This collaboration lasted for several generations of these popular trucks.
- Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute: Introduced in the early 2000s, the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute were compact SUVs built on a shared platform. They offered similar features and performance but were marketed under their respective brands.
- Mazda6 and Ford Fusion: The first-generation Ford Fusion was built on the Mazda G platform, which was also used for the Mazda6. This shared platform allowed both companies to produce midsize sedans with competitive features and performance.
- Ford Fiesta and Mazda 121: In the 1990s, the Mazda 121 was essentially a rebadged version of the Ford Fiesta, sold in certain markets to expand Mazda's lineup.
End of the Partnership
By the late 2000s, Ford began reducing its stake in Mazda, and the partnership gradually came to an end. This was due to Ford's financial struggles during the global economic downturn and Mazda's desire to establish itself as an independent automaker. Despite the end of their formal collaboration, the vehicles developed during their partnership remain a testament to the success of their shared efforts.
Conclusion
The Ford-Mazda partnership was a significant chapter in automotive history, producing a range of vehicles that combined the strengths of both companies. From sporty coupes to reliable trucks and versatile SUVs, these cars showcased the benefits of collaboration in the automotive industry. While the partnership has ended, its legacy lives on in the vehicles that continue to be appreciated by drivers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ford still have a partnership with Mazda?
Does Ford Own Mazda? No, Ford does not own Mazda. Mazda is its own company. Ford and Mazda have had close ties over the years, including a current 50/50 joint venture in Thailand.
What car brands are owned by Ford?
Ford Motor Company: Ford, Lincoln, Troller. General Motors: Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet, Holden. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance: Renault, Nissan, Infiniti, Dacia, Datsun, Samsung Renault, Lada, Mitsubishi. Hyundai Motor Group: Hyundai, KIA.
Who did Mazda merge with?
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), the only North American facility to produce the Corolla Cross, is a joint venture partnership between Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation. The plant began production of the Corolla Cross in September 2021, and of the all-new Mazda CX-50 in January 2022.
What years did Ford own Mazda?
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.
Which Fords have Mazda engines?
Ford has developed an Atkinson cycle variant of the Mazda L5 engine for use in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Maverick Hybrid vehicles. They also used this variant under the Duratec engine family name in the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion. This engine was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2010.
Did Ford ever own Mazda?
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.
Why did Mazda leave Ford?
The biggest reason Mazda ceased having Ford utilize its overcapacity to build them, they were an embarrasment to a company that excels in Quality and customer service, and overall =satisfaction.
Is Mazda now owned by Toyota?
Who Owns Mazda? So, who owns Mazda? If you were to poll Bronx drivers, a large percentage of them would probably be under the impression that Mazda is owned by Toyota or Nissan. But the Mazda Motor Corporation near Hiroshima, Japan, is the manufacturer who makes Mazda.
Does the Ford Ranger use a Mazda engine?
Mazda-based (1998–2011)
The first-generation Mazda-based Ranger was produced from 1998 to 2006, while the second generation was produced from 2006 to 2011; the latter was derived from the Mazda BT-50 (which replaced the Mazda B series).
What car brands does Ford own?
Ford Motor Company: Ford, Lincoln, Troller. General Motors: Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet, Holden. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance: Renault, Nissan, Infiniti, Dacia, Datsun, Samsung Renault, Lada, Mitsubishi. Hyundai Motor Group: Hyundai, KIA.
