When did Ford buy Motorcraft?
Ford did not buy Motorcraft. Motorcraft is Ford's own line of replacement parts and service branding, created by the company in the late 1930s and used widely since.
To understand the question's source, it's helpful to trace Motorcraft's origin as an in-house brand and how Ford has used it in vehicles, service operations, and parts distribution over decades. This article clarifies ownership and history.
What Motorcraft is
The brand's scope covers OEM replacement parts, fluids, and related services designed for Ford and Lincoln vehicles, distributed through Ford dealers and authorized service outlets worldwide.
The following list highlights the core product categories and services that bear the Motorcraft name today.
- Batteries and electrical components
- Engine and transmission parts (filters, belts, gaskets, sensors)
- Fluids, lubricants, and consumables (oil, coolant, brake fluid, cleaners)
- Filters and wear items (oil filters, air filters, fuel filters)
- Service parts and tools used by Ford and authorized service centers
- Online catalogs and OEM-recommended accessories
In summary, Motorcraft's range spans OEM replacement parts, fluids, maintenance items, and a service network used by Ford and its authorized repair channels.
Origin and ownership
The brand originated as Ford's in-house solution for parts and service under the Motorcraft name, with early references appearing in Ford materials in the late 1930s and becoming more widespread in the postwar era.
The following milestones illustrate its development, not an acquisition event.
- Late 1930s: Motorcraft introduced as Ford's replacement-parts brand
- 1950s-1960s: Expansion of the Motorcraft Service network and parts availability
- 1980s-1990s: Modernization of parts catalogs and alignment with OEM standards
- 2000s-2020s: Global distribution and continued use in Ford's official parts strategy
Thus, Ford did not purchase Motorcraft; the brand was created and maintained by Ford from its inception and remains part of Ford's official parts and service portfolio today.
Common questions and clarifications
Is Motorcraft a separate company?
No. Motorcraft has long been Ford's internal branding for parts and service, not an independent company that Ford bought.
Summary
Ford did not buy Motorcraft. Motorcraft is Ford's own line of replacement parts and service branding, created in the late 1930s and developed over decades. The brand remains an integral part of Ford's parts and service strategy for Ford and Lincoln vehicles, distributed through dealers and authorized service centers.
