Who does Ford get their parts from?

Ford sources parts from a global network of suppliers, not a single source. The automaker relies on hundreds of suppliers worldwide for components ranging from microchips to seating.

Ford's parts network spans semiconductors, EV battery cells, powertrains, interiors, safety systems, lighting, software, and more. The company works with a mix of large global Tier-1 suppliers and regional partners to manage cost, quality, and supply-chain resilience while expanding its electrified lineup.

Global supplier ecosystem

The following categories cover the main types of suppliers Ford works with and examples of firms that frequently appear in its procurement landscape. Exact partners can vary by model year, region, and specific vehicle program.

• Semiconductors and electronics: NXP Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies, Renesas Electronics, STMicroelectronics, ON Semiconductor


• Battery cells and energy systems: SK On, LG Energy Solution, CATL


• Powertrain and drivetrain components: ZF Friedrichshafen, BorgWarner, Magna International, Continental, Denso


• Interiors, seating, and trim: Lear Corporation, Adient, Visteon


• Safety, braking, steering, and chassis: Autoliv, Bosch, Continental (ADAS and safety systems), Brembo (braking components)


• Lighting, optics, and exterior hardware: Hella (LED lighting, optics), Valeo


• Infotainment, software, and electronics integration: Aptiv, Harman (audio), BlackBerry QNX (embedded software platforms)

Note: The exact supplier mix shifts with model, region, and market conditions. Ford routinely updates partnerships to address demand, cost, and supply-chain risks.

Regional and category-specific partnerships

Ford maintains regional procurement strategies that pair global partners with local suppliers to shorten lead times, reduce logistics risk, and support localized manufacturing where feasible. This approach helps the company respond more quickly to regional demand and supply disruptions.

Battery partnerships and EV strategy

To support its electrification push, Ford has pursued strategic battery partnerships and regional production plans. The company has pursued joint ventures and long-term supply arrangements with cell manufacturers to secure capacity for current and forthcoming electric models. In North America, Ford is building out BlueOval Battery Plant partnerships with collaborators to localize cell production and reduce dependence on distant supply chains.

• SK On: primary North American battery cell supplier through joint ventures and collaborations for local production


• LG Energy Solution: additional cell supply for various Ford electrified programs


• CATL: supplier in select markets and programs to broaden regional cell availability

These battery partnerships are central to Ford’s strategy for the F-Series EVs, Mustang Mach-E, and other upcoming electrified vehicles, helping manage price, supply, and regional manufacturing needs.

Concluding paragraph: By diversifying battery partners and pursuing regional cell production, Ford aims to stabilize EV production and support rapid growth in its electrified lineup.

Supply chain resilience and sourcing strategy

Ford emphasizes a resilient, diversified supplier base to mitigate risk from shortages and geopolitics. The procurement approach includes multi-sourcing for critical components, proactive supplier development, and regionalization of certain production activities to shorten supply lines and improve responsiveness.

• Multi-sourcing for critical parts to avoid single-point failures


• Active supplier development and on-site quality improvement programs


• Regional manufacturing partnerships and joint ventures to localize supply chains

Concluding paragraph: This strategy aims to keep production stable during global supply disruptions and to support Ford’s global product cadence, including new EV platforms.

Summary

Ford draws its parts from a diversified, global network of suppliers across categories such as semiconductors, battery cells, powertrains, interiors, safety systems, lighting, and software. Its strategy blends broad, multi-source partnerships with targeted regional collaborations, particularly for EV battery cells and localization efforts, to maintain resilience and support a growing electrified lineup.

Where do most auto parts come from?

Most car parts are sourced from major global manufacturers like China, Mexico, Japan, and Germany, with the specific origin varying depending on the car manufacturer and component. China is the world's largest producer, but countries like Mexico, Canada, and those in Europe (especially Germany) are also major suppliers.
 
Major exporting countries

• China: The world's largest producer of auto parts due to its scale and integrated supply chain. China is a major supplier for components, electronics, and EV batteries for many global automakers. 
• Mexico: A leading supplier to the United States, accounting for over 42% of U.S. auto parts imports. Mexico has a strong manufacturing base and a significant role in the North American auto supply chain. 
• Japan: A major source of auto parts for the U.S. and other manufacturers worldwide. 
• Germany: A leading producer in Europe and globally, with a strong automotive manufacturing sector. 

Other key sources

• United States: While a major exporter, many U.S. automakers still source a significant amount of their parts from other countries, even if the vehicles are assembled in the U.S. 
• Canada: A key supplier, particularly for parts used in vehicles assembled in the U.S. 
• Other European countries: Nations like Italy and Poland also have important roles in supplying parts. 

How parts are sourced

• Modern vehicles often have parts sourced from all over the world, not just from the country where the car is assembled. 
• Global supply chains mean that a single vehicle can contain components from many different countries. 
• The "American-made" label doesn't always mean all parts were made in the U.S. and is calculated based on content from both the U.S. and Canada. 

Does Ford get its 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. 

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. 

Where does Ford get most of its parts?

Ford parts are made in a variety of locations globally, with many components manufactured in the United States and Mexico, and others sourced from countries like China, Germany, Japan, and Turkey. While some parts are made at Ford's own facilities in the US and abroad, many are produced by a network of third-party suppliers around the world.
 
Domestic manufacturing

• United States: Ford has numerous U.S. plants that produce parts like engines, transmissions, and other components for both domestic and international assembly. 
  • Michigan: Dearborn has several manufacturing plants, including for engines and transmissions. 
  • Ohio: The Sharonville Transmission Plant makes transmissions for several models. 
  • Kentucky: The Louisville Assembly Plant produces certain models, while the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville produces the F-Series Super Duty line. 
• Mexico: Mexico is a key location for both assembling vehicles and producing parts. 
• Canada: Parts and some assembly are also done in Canada. 

International manufacturing

• China: China is a major manufacturing hub for Ford, with numerous plants and joint ventures for parts and vehicles. 
• Europe: Ford has significant manufacturing operations in Europe, including Germany and Turkey, for both vehicles and parts. 
• Asia: Ford has manufacturing operations in several Asian countries, such as Thailand, a joint venture with Mazda that builds certain models. 
• South America: Argentina and Brazil are also home to Ford's manufacturing facilities. 

Supplier network

• Ford works with a large global network of independent suppliers for a vast range of components. 
• These suppliers have operations worldwide, including in countries such as Japan, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, and Colombia.