Where do Ford products come from?
Ford's products originate from a global network of factories and suppliers. Vehicles are assembled near the markets they serve, across continents, rather than produced in a single location.
Global manufacturing footprint
Ford operates a wide, regional manufacturing footprint to serve diverse markets. The following overview highlights the major regional hubs where Ford builds cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles.
- North America — The United States, Canada, and Mexico host numerous assembly plants and engine facilities that produce a large share of Ford's pickups, SUVs, and commercial vehicles for the region, with Dearborn, Michigan, and other campuses playing key roles in design and engineering.
- Europe — Ford maintains plants and joint ventures in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Turkey, producing models for European customers and for export within the region; partnerships include Ford Otosan in Turkey, a long-standing manufacturing alliance for commercial vehicles.
- China and Asia-Pacific — Ford manufactures vehicles in China through local joint ventures with partners like Changan, producing cars tailored for the Chinese market and, where feasible, for nearby markets in Asia-Pacific.
- South America — Brazil and Argentina remain important production sites for regional models and export variants into South America and beyond as market conditions allow.
These regional hubs illustrate how Ford blends local production with global platforms to meet demand, manage import tariffs, and adapt to local regulations and customer preferences.
How Ford coordinates its supply chain
Beyond where vehicles are built, Ford's manufacturing success depends on a global supplier network and modular platforms that allow parts and assemblies to be shared across regions. Locally sourced components reduce costs and lead times, while standardized platforms enable efficient production of multiple models on shared lines.
Local content and regulatory considerations
Local content rules, trade agreements, and tariffs influence where Ford chooses to build and source parts. The company often localizes production to minimize duties and deliver vehicles with the content required by regional governments and customers.
Electrification and future plans
As Ford accelerates electrification, the company is adjusting its footprint to support electric vehicle (EV) production and battery supply in strategic regions. Investments in EV programs, including plant retooling and new facilities, aim to expand Ford's ability to deliver EVs where demand is strongest.
Summary
In short, Ford's products come from a global manufacturing network that spans multiple regions and relies on both owned plants and joint ventures. The company continues to adapt its footprint to growing EV demand, local regulations, and market dynamics while maintaining a focus on efficient, localized production for customers around the world.
Who are Ford's main suppliers?
Some of the key suppliers for Ford Motor Company (F) include Flex-N-Gate Seeburn, NHK Spring, and Valeo Electric and Electronic Systems.
Does Ford use parts from China?
Yes, many Ford parts are made in China, both for the local market and for use in vehicles assembled elsewhere. Ford sources a significant number of parts from China as part of its global manufacturing strategy to cut costs and serve its fastest-growing major market. Some examples include computer components like CPUs, infotainment boards, and amplifiers, though the company also has plants and suppliers in other countries like Mexico, Canada, and Germany.
- Component manufacturing: Ford sources a wide range of parts from China, including electronic components, instrument panel parts, and others.
- Global sourcing strategy: China is a key part of Ford's global sourcing strategy, which includes plans to nearly double its purchase of parts from the country to support both domestic and international plants.
- Vehicle assembly: Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles, like the Lincoln Nautilus, are assembled in China for both the local market and to be imported to the United States.
- Supplier network: Ford has a large network of suppliers in China, which can sometimes lead to disruptions in the supply chain due to events like COVID-19 lockdowns.
Where are Ford products manufactured?
Ford Assembly Plant Locations
- Chicago, IL: Ford Explorer, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS.
- Flat Rock, MI: Ford Fusion, Ford Mustang.
- Kansas City, MO: Ford F-150, Ford Transit.
- Louisville, KY: Ford Escape, Lincoln MKC.
- Wayne, MI: Ford Focus, Ford C-Max.
- Avon Lake, OH: Ford E-Series.
Are Ford cars 100% American made?
No, no Ford vehicle is 100% American-made because no car is, due to the complex global supply chain for parts. However, Ford assembles more vehicles in the United States than any other automaker, with nearly 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. being domestically assembled.
Domestic assembly vs. 100% American-made
- Domestic assembly: Many Ford models, such as the F-150, are assembled in the United States.
- Component sourcing: Many components, however, are sourced from other countries, including Mexico and Canada, making 100% American-made a difficult and complex goal.
- Examples of non-domestic assembly: Some models, like the Ford Maverick and Bronco Sport, are assembled in Mexico.
- Design and engineering: Even if a vehicle is assembled abroad, it is still designed and engineered by Ford's American teams.
