Who makes the Motorcraft spark plugs?
Motorcraft spark plugs are Ford’s official replacement parts, but there isn’t a single company that makes them. Ford relies on a network of original-equipment manufacturers to produce Motorcraft plugs, and the actual supplier can vary by engine family, model year, and market. In many cases Autolite is the most commonly associated maker, but other OEMs may supply different plugs under the Motorcraft label. Check the packaging or Ford’s official parts listings to confirm the exact supplier for your specific plug.
Understanding the Motorcraft brand and its suppliers
Motorcraft is Ford’s long-standing parts brand. Rather than building every component in-house, Ford contracts with original-equipment manufacturers to produce plugs that carry the Motorcraft name. This arrangement lets Ford tailor plug designs to different engines while keeping a single, recognizable brand for customers.
The exact maker can vary by region and application, and the package will usually disclose which company produced the plug you’re buying. Historically, Autolite has been a major OE partner for Ford/Motorcraft plugs, but other manufacturers have supplied Motorcraft plugs for certain engines and markets.
When in doubt, rely on the packaging or Ford’s official parts catalog to identify the producer for your specific part code.
Common manufacturers linked to Motorcraft spark plugs
Below are the manufacturers you’re most likely to encounter on Motorcraft plugs. The specific supplier for your plug depends on the engine and market.
- Autolite — a long-standing Ford OE partner and common maker of Motorcraft plugs
- NGK — used for select Ford engines and markets
- Bosch — occasional supplier for certain engine families
- Denso — used for some markets and engines
- Other Ford-approved OEMs — depending on the application and region
This list is illustrative. Always verify the exact supplier by checking the product packaging or official Ford references for your part code.
How to identify the maker on your Motorcraft spark plug
If you need to know who manufactured your specific plug, use these steps to verify the supplier.
- Look at the packaging and any label on the plug for a supplier name or logo in addition to the Motorcraft branding.
- Note the part number and any supplier code printed on the box or the plug.
- Inspect the metal shell and insulator for manufacturer engravings or stamps.
- Consult Ford’s official Parts & Service catalog or your VIN-based parts lookup to confirm the recommended supplier for your engine family.
- When purchasing online or in-store, compare the listing’s supplier code with the actual part you receive.
Identifying the maker helps with compatibility and warranty considerations. If you’re uncertain, ask the retailer or consult Ford’s official resources.
The bottom line for consumers
Motorcraft is Ford’s brand for replacement parts; the spark plugs bearing that name are produced by a network of OEM suppliers rather than a single company. Autolite has been the most historically associated maker, but many engines and markets use different approved manufacturers under the Motorcraft label. Always confirm the exact supplier on the product packaging or Ford’s official parts listings for your specific plug.
Summary: The Motorcraft spark plugs are manufactured by multiple Ford-approved original equipment manufacturers, with Autolite commonly involved and other suppliers used for appropriate engines and regions. The brand remains Motorcraft, but the supplier can vary by part code—check packaging or official catalogs to know the exact maker for your plug.
Is it Motorcraft or Autolite?
Motorcraft is the official OEM parts brand of Ford, while Autolite was a previous Ford supplier that Ford acquired and later spun off. Today, Motorcraft is Ford's official parts brand and is still in use, whereas the original Autolite company merged with another company, and the brand name continues in a different context. Ford now uses Motorcraft parts for its vehicles, and it is generally recommended to use Motorcraft for newer vehicles to ensure compatibility and quality.
Motorcraft
- Official Ford Brand: Motorcraft is the official replacement and original equipment parts brand for Ford, established by Ford in the 1950s and relaunched in 1972.
- Quality and Standards: Because it is a Ford brand, Motorcraft parts are made to the same high standards as original factory equipment, ensuring optimal fit and performance for Ford vehicles.
- Modern Replacement: For modern Ford vehicles, Motorcraft is the current and recommended brand for replacement parts.
Autolite
- Historical Supplier: Autolite was a long-time supplier of parts, particularly spark plugs, to Ford, and Ford acquired the company in 1961.
- Brand Change: In 1972, after an antitrust lawsuit, Ford was forced to spin off the Autolite company. Ford then relaunched the Motorcraft brand as its official parts brand.
- Continued Brand Use: The original Autolite company no longer exists as it did before the spin-off. Today, the "Autolite" name is used by a different company, which is not directly affiliated with the original Autolite company or Ford.
- Vintage Parts: For older vehicles, components may have an "Autolite" brand on them, such as the popular Autolite 2100 carburetor.
Which should you use?
- For modern vehicles: Use Motorcraft parts to ensure they are made for your specific vehicle and meet Ford's quality standards.
- For vintage vehicles: If your vehicle is from the era when Autolite was the official Ford brand (pre-1972), you may find and need to use Autolite parts. However, for modern replacements or upgrades, it's best to stick with the Motorcraft brand.
Is Champion or NGK better?
NGK is generally considered better for performance and longevity due to its use of finer, more heat-resistant materials like iridium, while Champion offers a reliable and more budget-friendly option. Many mechanics and enthusiasts prefer NGK for its smoother starts and responsiveness, especially in high-performance applications.
NGK
- Higher performance: Offers a slight edge in horsepower and throttle response, with a finer iridium tip contributing to better heat resistance and durability.
- Longer-lasting: Generally provides a longer service life compared to Champion.
- Smoother operation: Many users report smoother starts, especially in cold weather or after long idles.
- Original equipment (OE): Is the OE plug for many vehicles in North America, meaning it's designed to meet factory specifications.
Champion
- Budget-friendly: A good option if cost is a primary concern.
- Reliable: Still provides solid, reliable performance.
- Durability: Known for durability, though often uses more traditional copper-nickel electrodes, which may not last as long as NGK's iridium plugs.
Who makes Ford spark plugs?
Ford spark plugs are made by Motorcraft, which is Ford's own parts brand. The actual manufacturing is often done by other companies, and the specific manufacturer can vary depending on the engine. For example, Autolite makes the spark plugs for many of Ford's naturally aspirated engines, while NGK produces the spark plugs used in many EcoBoost engines.
- Motorcraft is the brand: Motorcraft is the brand name Ford uses for its OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, including spark plugs.
- Specific manufacturer varies: While they are sold under the Motorcraft brand, the actual company that physically manufactures the spark plug can differ. This is a common practice across the auto industry for OEM parts.
- Examples of manufacturers:
- Autolite: Historically and currently makes spark plugs for Ford's naturally aspirated engines.
- NGK: Produces spark plugs for many of Ford's EcoBoost engines.
Who makes Motorcraft parts now?
Ford
In fact, Motorcraft is the official parts brand of Ford and has been since its inception in the 1950s. Ford used Autolite as its parts manufacturer for a brief period in the 1960s. Ford owns Motorcraft.
