Where does Ford get their parts from?
Ford sources parts from a vast, global network of suppliers—thousands of companies—covering everything from engines and electronics to seats and tires. For electric vehicles, the company works with battery-cell partners such as SK On and LG Energy Solution, including the BlueOval SK venture aimed at U.S. cell production.
How Ford structures its supplier network
Ford operates a multi-tier procurement system in which Tier 1 suppliers deliver assembled components to Ford assembly lines, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers provide subassemblies, materials, and specialized parts. The company manages global contracts, quality assurance, delivery reliability, and sustainability standards through dedicated procurement teams and supplier-development programs.
Global reach of Ford's parts sourcing
To meet demand, optimize logistics, and comply with regional content rules, Ford sources from multiple regions around the world. The following regions represent the core footprint of its supplier base:
- North America (United States, Canada, Mexico) – a large share of parts for Ford’s North American models, with extensive domestic and local-sourcing activity.
- Europe – components for European models and shared platforms, including suppliers in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and beyond.
- Asia-Pacific – electronics, drivetrains, and specialized subsystems sourced from suppliers in Japan, South Korea, China, and other markets.
- Latin America – regional production and parts sourcing to support operations in markets such as Brazil and others.
These regional sourcing patterns help Ford meet local content targets, manage cross-border logistics, and build resilience against disruptions.
Battery cells and EV components partnerships
Electric-vehicle programs rely on a targeted set of battery-cell partnerships to secure supply and scale production. Key arrangements include:
- SK On (South Korea) – provides battery cells for Ford’s EVs and leads collaboration through joint ventures to expand U.S. cell manufacturing capability.
- LG Energy Solution (South Korea) – supplies battery cells for various Ford electric models and markets.
- BlueOval SK (JV between Ford and SK On) – a U.S.-focused battery-cell production venture intended to diversify supply and increase domestic cell manufacturing capacity.
Ford emphasises a diversified battery strategy to reduce risk, improve pricing flexibility, and accelerate its EV rollout.
Quality, sustainability, and supplier management
Maintaining quality and responsible sourcing is a core part of Ford's supplier governance. The program includes:
- Supplier qualification, audits, and performance reviews to ensure quality, cost control, and on-time delivery.
- Environmental and social governance standards, with codes of conduct and ongoing responsible-sourcing initiatives.
- Risk-management measures, including dual sourcing where feasible and nearshoring to bolster resilience.
- Compliance with regional content rules (such as USMCA in North America) to qualify for tariff-advantaged sourcing.
These practices aim to balance reliability, cost efficiency, and ethical considerations across Ford’s supply chain.
How supply chain design supports Ford's product strategy
Ford’s sourcing framework underpins its ability to bring new models to market quickly, scale EV production, and adapt to shifting demand. By combining a broad global supplier base with targeted partnerships and some in-house manufacturing, Ford seeks to maintain continuity even during industry-wide disruptions.
Summary
Ford relies on a vast, global network of suppliers, with a heavy emphasis on North American partners for its U.S.-made vehicles and a growing portfolio of battery-cell providers to support its electrification plan. The company pairs external sourcing with in-house capabilities and strategic joint ventures to build a resilient, cost-effective supply chain, while pursuing diversification, regional sourcing, and sustainability across its procurement activities.
