Who makes OEM parts for Ford?
Ford OEM parts are produced by Ford itself and by a broad, global network of certified suppliers. The exact maker of a given part depends on the component, the model, and the market, but key partners often include electronics specialists, seating and interior experts, safety systems suppliers, and drivetrain and chassis specialists.
Understanding Ford's OEM parts network
Ford coordinates its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts through a centralized Global Purchasing organization. This network contracts with Tier 1 suppliers and contract manufacturers to produce components to Ford’s exact specifications and warranty standards. Some parts are manufactured in Ford facilities, while many are produced by outside suppliers under Ford’s design and quality controls. The arrangement is designed to ensure compatibility, reliability, and serviceability across Ford’s product lineup.
Major OEM suppliers for Ford
The following partners represent some of the most prominent global suppliers that routinely provide OEM-grade components to Ford. This list is illustrative; actual sourcing can vary by model, region, and production period.
- Visteon — electronics, cockpit assemblies, instrument clusters, and infotainment components
- Magna International — chassis, body, powertrain components, and interiors
- Lear Corporation — seating and electrical distribution systems
- Adient — seating solutions
- Bosch — sensors, electronics, braking systems, and automotive electronics
- Denso — climate control and powertrain components
- Continental — braking systems, electronics, and safety technology
- ZF Friedrichshafen — transmissions and driveline components
- BorgWarner — turbochargers, transmissions, and other driveline parts
- Aptiv (formerly part of Delphi) — electrical architectures and connectivity
- Yazaki — wiring harnesses and electrical components
- Autoliv and Joyson Safety Systems — airbags, seat belts, and other safety technology
- Goodyear (and other tire brands) — OEM tires on various Ford models
These partnerships illustrate the breadth of Ford’s OEM ecosystem, but the precise supplier for any given part can vary by model and market.
Regional variations in sourcing
Ford operates worldwide, and regional sourcing strategies reflect local regulations, capacity, and cost considerations. In North America, Ford relies on a mix of domestic and international suppliers; in Europe and Asia-Pacific, regional manufacturing hubs complement global partners. This approach helps Ford maintain supply reliability while meeting regional standards and customer expectations.
How to verify OEM parts for your Ford
To ensure you’re getting genuine OEM parts, buy through an authorized Ford dealer or an approved parts distributor that clearly labels items as original equipment. Check for Ford part numbers and documentation; OEM parts carry Ford’s warranty terms and service compatibility, while counterfeit or aftermarket parts may not.
Summary
Ford’s OEM parts come from a combination of Ford’s own manufacturing operations and a vast network of Tier 1 suppliers and contract manufacturers worldwide. The exact manufacturer of a given part depends on the component, model, and market, but common OEM partners include Visteon, Magna International, Lear, Adient, Autoliv, Joyson Safety Systems, Bosch, Denso, Continental, ZF, BorgWarner, Aptiv, Yazaki, and tire suppliers such as Goodyear. This ecosystem enables Ford to deliver parts that meet original specifications, warranty commitments, and after-sales support across its vehicle lineup.
Where do Ford get their parts from?
Ford sources its parts from a global supply chain, including its own factories and around 1,200 external suppliers in countries like the United States, Mexico, China, and Germany. These suppliers provide a vast range of components, from engines and transmissions to specialized parts like airbags and steering columns, often located in countries that can provide cost-effective production.
Where Ford sources parts from:
- Global suppliers: Ford relies on a network of approximately 1,200 production suppliers across the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
- Examples of suppliers and parts:
- United States: NHK Spring (suspension stabilizer linkages) in Kentucky, and Warn Industries (axle assemblies) in Oregon.
- Mexico: Chihuahua Engine (engines).
- China: Summit Plastics (instrument panel components).
- Sweden: Autoliv (airbags).
- Hungary: U-Shin Europe (steering columns).
- Colombia: Chaidneme (mufflers and exhaust systems).
- Germany: Cologne Body & Assembly (body and assembly), and Cologne Engine (engines).
- Manufacturing and quality: Ford also manufactures parts at its own global factories, such as the Chicago Stamping plant in Illinois or the Cleveland Engine plant in Ohio.
- Indirect suppliers: In addition to production suppliers, Ford works with many indirect suppliers for things like logistics and technology, including FedEx, Penske Logistics, and Cisco.
- Cost and efficiency: The company uses a global supply chain to identify and reduce costs while maintaining quality, often outsourcing production to lower-cost countries to protect against economic fluctuations.
- Motorcraft: Motorcraft is a Ford-owned brand that manufactures parts to the same OEM specifications as "Genuine Ford" parts, so some parts with the Motorcraft label are actually made by or for Ford and are often a more affordable option.
Are Ford OEM parts good or bad?
Ford OEM parts are manufactured using premium materials that meet rigorous quality standards. Unlike aftermarket alternatives that often use inferior materials to reduce costs, genuine Ford parts undergo extensive testing to ensure durability and performance under all driving conditions.
Are Napa parts OEM?
NAPA parts are designed to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards, ensuring that they provide the same level of quality and performance as the original parts.
Who makes Ford OEM parts?
Motorcraft
Motorcraft manufactures their parts for Ford vehicles, using the exact OEM specifications as implemented in the original manufacture of your Ford. Thus, it will work the same as a Ford Genuine Part. Because Motorcraft has its own brand identity, it produces parts for your Ford under its name.
