Who manufactures Ford parts?
Ford parts are manufactured through a two-pronged approach: some components are produced in Ford's own facilities, while a vast, global network of Tier 1 suppliers fabricates others to Ford specifications. Replacement parts are sold under the Motorcraft brand.
How Ford sources its parts
Ford relies on a mix of in-house production and external suppliers to build vehicles for markets around the world. The company operates manufacturing sites and works with a broad network of Tier 1 suppliers who produce modules, subassemblies and components to Ford's exacting standards. This ecosystem allows Ford to match regional demand, regulatory requirements, and evolving technology.
Key elements of Ford's sourcing model include:
- In-house manufacturing of core powertrain, chassis, and stamping operations at Ford-owned facilities.
- Global Tier 1 suppliers contracted to deliver modules, components, and subassemblies across platforms.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer partnerships that produce parts to Ford specifications, with quality programs and traceability.
- Regional supplier networks to address local demand, import regulations, and service needs.
In summary, Ford's parts originate from both its own manufacturing footprint and a wide web of external suppliers, enabling coverage across models and regions.
The Motorcraft official replacement parts line
For maintenance and repair, Ford markets replacement components under its Motorcraft brand. Motorcraft parts are designed to fit Ford vehicles and meet Ford's specifications for durability and performance, and they are distributed through Ford dealers and authorized retailers worldwide.
Motorcraft replacement parts cover a broad range of maintenance items. The following categories are typical offerings in the Motorcraft lineup:
- Engine oil and oil filters
- Air filters and cabin air filters
- Brakes, including pads, rotors, and drums
- Spark plugs and ignition components
- Battery and electrical components
- Fluids, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid
- Fuel filters and related components
- Belt, hoses, and cooling system components
- Wiper blades and maintenance items
Motorcraft parts are widely available at Ford dealers, authorized service providers, and e-commerce outlets, ensuring genuine parts availability across service networks.
EV era and the evolving parts landscape
Ford's shift toward electrification and advanced vehicle software has reshaped the parts ecosystem. Modern Ford vehicles rely more on electronics, sensors, battery systems, power electronics, and software-driven modules. Ford continues to work with a broad set of suppliers for these components while expanding in-house capabilities where strategic, in order to maintain reliability and supply chain resilience.
What this means for consumers
For consumers, this means genuine Ford parts—whether from Ford's own production or Motorcraft replacements—are supported through a global network, with availability in many countries. When shopping for parts, customers can look for Motorcraft-branded items for maintenance needs or seek Ford-approved parts through authorized dealers for vehicle repairs and warranties.
Summary
Ford builds and sources parts through a dual approach: some components are produced in its own facilities, while a global network of Tier 1 suppliers provides the rest. Official replacement parts are sold under the Motorcraft brand, with a broad range of maintenance items. As Ford expands into electrification and software-enabled features, the supplier landscape and internal capabilities continue to adapt to ensure reliable supply across markets.
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.
Are Motorcraft parts only for Ford vehicles?
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. However, Motorcraft has the freedom to manufacture parts for any company they like, such as Mazda.
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.
Do any Ford parts come 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.
