Who makes Ford car parts?
Ford car parts come from a mix of Ford’s own manufacturing capabilities and a wide network of external suppliers. The parts you see in a Ford vehicle or in a Ford service shop are produced by Ford itself or by Tier 1 suppliers contracted to Ford, with replacement parts sold under the Motorcraft brand produced by Ford and its partners.
Understanding who makes Ford parts requires looking at how Ford organizes its sourcing: some components are built in-house at Ford plants, while the majority come from global suppliers that specialize in engineering, testing, and manufacturing complex automotive systems. Ford’s supply chain is global and varies by model, market, and production year.
Ford's sourcing structure
Ford maintains manufacturing capacity for certain core components at its own facilities, while most other parts are sourced from a broad ecosystem of Tier 1 suppliers that design, engineer, and manufacture components to Ford’s specifications. These suppliers deliver parts either directly to Ford or to contract manufacturers that assemble subassemblies for Ford vehicles.
Because Ford operates internationally, its supplier network spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. The exact mix of suppliers can differ by model, production period, and regional manufacturing strategy.
Here is how sourcing is typically organized across major component areas:
- In-house production at Ford plants for selected components and assemblies
- Tier 1 suppliers that develop and deliver major systems under contract to Ford
- Contract manufacturers that assemble modules or subassemblies per Ford specifications
- Regional suppliers aligned with local market needs
Bottom line: Ford uses a blend of internal production and external partners to build vehicles, with the exact mix tailored to models and regions.
Major supplier players (representative)
The following are representative examples of global suppliers that have historically provided components for Ford and other automakers. Actual supplier involvement varies by model, year, and region.
Representative supplier categories
- Bosch — sensors, braking systems, and other electronic components
- Denso — engine management, HVAC, and powertrain components
- Continental — braking systems, electronics, and chassis components
- Aptiv — electrical architectures and electronic control systems
- Lear Corporation — seating systems and interior structures
- Adient — seating assemblies and related components
- BorgWarner — turbochargers and other driveline components
- ZF Friedrichshafen — transmissions and chassis technologies
- Valeo — lighting, thermal, and other electronic systems
- Goodyear — tires and related technologies
Note: The exact supplier lineup for any given Ford model can change, and Ford often uses multiple suppliers for the same system to ensure quality and supply resilience.
Motorcraft and replacement parts
Ford’s official service and replacement parts are marketed under the Motorcraft brand. Motorcraft parts are produced by Ford and a network of contract manufacturers that meet Ford’s quality standards. They are sold through Ford dealers and authorized retailers worldwide and are designed to be compatible with Ford vehicles across model years.
Motorcraft has long served Ford owners seeking genuine parts for maintenance, repairs, and service, helping to ensure consistent fit and performance with Ford applications.
Summary
Ford car parts come from a dual-track ecosystem: a portion is produced in-house by Ford, while a large and evolving set of components is sourced from a broad network of global Tier 1 suppliers. Replacement parts sold under the Motorcraft brand are produced by Ford or contract manufacturers under Ford’s specifications. The supply chain is global and dynamic, adapting to model design, regional needs, and industry shifts.
Who manufactures parts for Ford?
Motorcraft manufactures various parts for several different car companies, including Ford. In fact, Motorcraft is the official parts brand of Ford and has been since its inception in the 1950s.
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.
What brand are Ford aftermarket parts?
Motorcraft®
Motorcraft® parts.
If you're looking for high-quality, competitvely priced parts for any Ford vehicle, Motorcraft® is what you need. Not only is Motorcraft® recommended by the Ford Motor Company, you can also count on the right fit, the first time.
Where are Ford vehicle parts manufactured?
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.
