Who manufactures parts for Ford?

Ford relies on a broad, global network of suppliers rather than producing most components in-house. The company works with hundreds of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers around the world to source everything from powertrains and electronics to seating and tires, with additional emphasis on battery-cell partners as it shifts toward electrification.

Overview of Ford's supplier network

Ford's procurement operation spans continents, with long-standing relationships, regional sourcing, and platform-specific agreements. The network is designed to deliver the variety and volume required across Ford’s diverse lineup, from traditional internal-combustion models to high-volume electrified vehicles. Suppliers range from global conglomerates to specialized firms, and the mix evolves with new platforms and markets.

Major supplier categories and representative partners

The following examples illustrate the kinds of firms Ford relies on for key vehicle systems. The exact partners vary by model, region, and production year.

• Powertrain and driveline: Magna International (via Magna Powertrain) provides transmissions, drivetrains, and related systems for several Ford platforms.


• Electronics, sensors and control systems: Bosch and Continental supply sensors, ECUs, and other electronic modules; Denso contributes engine management components; Aptiv/Delphi Technologies provides connectivity and power-electronics components on selected programs.


• Chassis, safety and braking: Brembo supplies brake systems for performance-focused variants; Gestamp contributes structural components and closures; Autoliv and other safety specialists provide airbags and restraint systems on various models.


• Interior and seating: Lear and Adient supply seating systems and related interior components; Forvia (formerly Faurecia) contributes interior modules on some Ford programs.


• Exterior and body systems: Magna and Gestamp help with body panels, closures, and other structural components across multiple platforms.


• Tires and wheels: Goodyear and Michelin produce tires for different markets and model lines under Ford’s specifications.

The breadth of this supplier ecosystem reflects Ford's global footprint and the ongoing evolution of its product lineup. The company periodically adjusts partners as programs change, new models enter production, or regional needs shift.

Electric-vehicle and battery-supply arrangements

As Ford accelerates its electrification strategy, securing a stable supply of battery cells and related components has become a central priority. The company has pursued strategic collaborations to scale North American production and diversify risk across cell suppliers.

Key battery-cell partnerships

Below is a primary example of Ford’s notable EV battery strategy. The list highlights the core arrangement publicly disclosed by Ford and its partners.

• BlueOval SK (Ford + SK On): A 50-50 joint venture to manufacture battery cells in North America for Ford’s EV lineup, supported by planned plants and expanded capacity over time.

These battery partnerships are designed to support Ford’s planned increase in electric-vehicle production, reduce supply risk, and help manage long-term cost and price stability. Ford’s broader battery strategy includes additional regional arrangements and supplier relationships to complement the core JV.

Summary

Ford’s parts come from a diverse, global network of suppliers across powertrains, electronics, chassis, interiors, brakes, tires, and more. The company also anchors its EV future with strategic battery-cell partnerships, notably its BlueOval SK venture with SK On, to secure North American cell supply and expand production capacity. As Ford introduces new models and platforms, the supplier roster continues to evolve to meet quality, cost, and timing demands across markets.

Who manufactures Ford parts?

Ford parts are manufactured by Motorcraft, which is owned by the Ford Motor Company and provides both original equipment (OEM) and aftermarket parts. Additionally, Ford uses a network of global suppliers, such as Autoliv for airbags or U-Shin for steering columns, to produce a wide range of components that go into its vehicles. 
Key manufacturers and brands

• Motorcraft: This is Ford's official parts brand, providing a wide range of parts recommended by the company itself. 
  • OEM parts: These are identical to the parts that come in a new Ford vehicle. 
  • Aftermarket parts: Motorcraft also offers premium aftermarket parts designed to be compatible with Ford and Lincoln models. 
• Ford Genuine Parts: These are exclusively OEM parts that are an exact replica of the original equipment. 
• External suppliers: Ford relies on numerous other companies around the world for specific components. These can include: 
  • Autoliv: Supplies airbags. 
  • U-Shin Europe: Supplies steering columns. 
  • Summit Plastics: Supplies instrument panel components. 
  • Chaidneme: Supplies mufflers and exhaust systems. 
  • Valeo Electric and Electronic Systems: Supplies starter assemblies. 
  • Webasto Roof & Components: Supplies sunroofs. 
  • Flex-N-Gate: Supplies door hinges and arms. 
  • NHK Spring: Supplies suspension stabilizer linkages. 

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. 

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. 

Does Ford manufacture its own parts?

Yes, Ford designs and manufactures some of its own parts, especially critical components like engines and transmissions, which are then sold as Ford Genuine Parts or Motorcraft products. However, it also relies on a vast global network of suppliers for other parts, such as steel, glass, electronics, and seats. Ford's manufacturing plants, both domestic and international, produce many of these components, but the company also outsources significant numbers of parts to meet its production needs. 
Parts Ford makes

• Engines and transmissions: Ford designs and manufactures engines in its own facilities in locations like the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. 
• Final assembly: The final assembly of vehicles also takes place in Ford's own plants. 
• Other components: Ford also produces other parts in-house, though the specific parts manufactured can vary by plant and model. 
• Design and quality control: Regardless of where a part is manufactured, Ford designs the part to its own rigorous quality standards and implements its own quality control and testing processes. 

Parts Ford outsources

• Raw materials: Ford purchases raw materials like steel and glass from other companies. 
• Specialized components: It outsources components that require specialized manufacturing processes or knowledge, such as electronics, light bulbs, and various hardware. 
• Other parts: The company also purchases many other parts from suppliers around the world to build its vehicles. 

Key takeaways

• Ford makes some of its own parts, but it's not the sole manufacturer for all components. 
• The company designs its parts to its own quality standards, even when outsourcing the manufacturing. 
• Ford's supply chain is global, with parts coming from both domestic and international suppliers.