What parts company does Ford use?
Ford relies on a broad, global network of supplier partners to build its vehicles. The core answer is that Ford sources from many tier-1 suppliers across multiple domains, with well-known names including Magna International, Bosch, Denso, Lear, Visteon, Continental, ZF, Autoliv, Goodyear, and Adient. In electrification, Ford also collaborates with battery-cell manufacturers such as SK On, LG Energy Solution, and CATL through joint ventures and long-term supply agreements.
Key supplier categories
Below is a snapshot of the main supplier categories Ford depends on to assemble its cars and trucks, along with representative companies that have played major roles in recent years.
Powertrains and drivetrains
Suppliers in this category provide transmissions, engines, hybrid and electric drive components, and related modules used across Ford’s lineup.
- Magna International
- ZF Friedrichshafen
- BorgWarner
- Continental
- Denso
- Magna Powertrain (transmission modules and related systems)
These partners frequently participate in joint development programs and supply to multiple Ford platforms, helping to standardize critical powertrain components across models.
Electronics, sensors and cockpit systems
In-vehicle electronics, sensor networks, and cockpit displays rely on several global suppliers to deliver infotainment, driver-assistance hardware, and safety systems.
- Visteon
- Bosch
- Continental
- Autoliv (safety systems such as airbags and seatbelts)
These partnerships enable Ford to equip its vehicles with advanced driver-assistance features, connectivity, and digital dashboards across regions.
Interior, seating and trim
Seats, trim, and interior modules come from specialized seating and interior-component suppliers to meet comfort, safety, and cost targets.
- Lear Corporation
- Adient
Seat design and interior ecosystems are tailored to Ford’s diverse model lineup and regional preferences, with these providers playing a key role in occupant comfort and safety.
Tires, brakes and chassis components
Handling and safety components rely on tiremakers and chassis-system suppliers that support Ford across markets.
- Goodyear
Tires are a critical performance and safety element, and Ford typically collaborates with major tire manufacturers to fit model-specific specifications in each region.
EV batteries and propulsion components
Ford’s electrification push rests on multiple battery-cell suppliers and collaborative ventures designed to secure scalable cell supply and competitive pricing.
- SK On (BlueOval Battery Partners, joint venture for U.S. battery plants)
- LG Energy Solution
- CATL (in certain markets)
Battery partnerships are central to Ford’s strategy to expand its EV lineup, aiming to diversify supply and accelerate production growth across regions.
Battery strategy and partnerships in context
Beyond single-supplier relationships, Ford has established joint ventures and long-term agreements to build and source cells at scale. The BlueOval Battery Partners venture with SK On is a flagship example, with plans for multiple large-scale U.S. facilities and expansion into other sites as demand grows. Partnerships with LG Energy Solution and CATL further broaden Ford’s access to different chemistries and cell formats suitable for various models and markets.
These arrangements illustrate Ford’s approach to securing essential components across its product spectrum while maintaining flexibility to respond to market conditions, regulatory requirements, and technological advances in electrification.
Summary
Ford relies on a diversified, global roster of tier-1 suppliers to deliver components for traditional and electric vehicles. Core partners include Magna International, ZF, BorgWarner, Goodyear, Lear, Adient, Visteon, Bosch, Continental, and Autoliv. For batteries and EV components, Ford collaborates with SK On, LG Energy Solution, and CATL through joint ventures and long-term contracts, reflecting its strategy to secure scalable cell supply as it expands its electric-vehicle lineup.
Where does Ford get parts for their cars?
Other major parts suppliers for Ford include Comstar Automotive Technologies,7 FCC Adams,8 Flextronics Automotive,9 and Mahle Engine Components. 10 Meanwhile, some indirect suppliers include Cisco (CSCO), FedEx (FDX), Penske Logistics, Roush, and Union Pacific.
Does Mazda still use Ford parts?
No, Mazda does not still use Ford parts because the two companies' partnership ended completely by 2015. Ford began selling off its shares in Mazda in 2008 after the global financial crisis, and by 2015, Mazda was fully independent again. This means that vehicles made after this period, such as the third-generation Mazda3 (2014-2018), no longer share platforms or major joint ventures with Ford.
- Partnership breakdown: The partnership between Mazda and Ford, which started in the 1970s, ended as Ford sold off its stake from 2008 to 2015.
- Independent development: With full independence, Mazda has focused on its own designs and engineering, launching its 'Kodo' design language and developing its own unique vehicles.
- Legacy models: While older models, particularly those made before 2015, did share platforms or components with Ford vehicles, modern Mazdas are built independently. For example, the NC generation of the MX-5 Miata (2006-2015) included several parts from Ford, such as a belt tensioner from a Ford Focus and a water pump from a Ford Ranger, but newer models do not.
Who manufactures parts for Ford?
Ford parts are made by Ford Motor Company under the Motorcraft brand, which is Ford's official parts brand. While Motorcraft parts are designed by Ford, various other companies, including some of Ford's direct suppliers, also manufacture components that are used in Ford vehicles and are distributed through Ford's supply chain.
Motorcraft and Genuine Ford Parts
- Designed by Ford: Motorcraft parts are manufactured specifically for Ford vehicles and meet Ford's engineering standards.
- Brand owned by Ford: Motorcraft is the official parts brand of Ford and is owned by the company.
- Quality and warranty: These parts are engineered for reliability, and many come with a 24-month, unlimited mileage warranty that includes labor.
Third-party suppliers
- Direct and indirect suppliers: Ford works with a network of other companies to supply individual components.
- Examples of suppliers: Some examples of companies that supply parts to Ford include Valeo (starter assemblies) and Autoliv (airbags).
- Global production: Ford also has production facilities and suppliers in other countries, including Mexico, Canada, and China, which produce parts for its vehicles.
Does Ford use OEM parts?
This means that these parts were produced directly by the manufacturer, in this case Ford, or by one of their OEM-approved subcontractors. OEM parts are specifically designed and crafted by the manufacturer to go into their lineup of vehicles, meaning the specifications, measurements, and materials are all compatible.
