Who supplies Ford Motor Company?
Ford Motor Company relies on a sprawling, global base of suppliers to design, engineer, and manufacture its vehicles. The network spans thousands of suppliers worldwide, including major multinational firms and regional providers, and is evolving as the company expands its electric-vehicle program. In broad terms, Ford's supply chain hinges on a diverse mix of Tier-1 partners, regional component producers, and battery-cell collaborators such as the BlueOval SK joint venture with SK On.
How Ford organizes its supplier network
Ford uses a tiered procurement model that channels components and modules through Tier-1 suppliers to Ford's assembly lines, with Tier-2 and lower suppliers handling subcomponents. The goal is to ensure quality, cost control, and timely delivery while meeting stringent environmental and ethical standards.
Major Tier-1 partners
These are some of the most prominent suppliers Ford has worked with to supply vehicles across regions. The list reflects the broader ecosystem rather than a complete roster:
- Aptiv
- Magna International
- Lear Corporation
- Visteon
- BorgWarner
- ZF Friedrichshafen
- Continental
- Denso
- Bosch
- Valeo
Ford's decisions on supplier selection are guided by performance, sustainability practices, and regional capabilities. The network is frequently refreshed as technology shifts and product lines change.
Battery and EV supply chain
As Ford expands its lineup of electric vehicles, securing a stable supply of battery cells and related components has become a central priority. The company has built a North American-driven battery strategy that includes joint ventures and multi-year contracts with cell suppliers, aiming to reduce risk and increase in-region production.
Battery-cell partnerships
- BlueOval SK, a joint venture with SK On, to produce battery cells in North America
- LG Energy Solution, supplying cells for certain Ford BEV programs
- Additional regional cell suppliers under multi-year agreements as Ford scales its BEV production
These arrangements are a cornerstone of Ford's strategy to support its growing electric-vehicle lineup while pursuing resilience in its supply chain.
Supplier diversity and ethics
Ford maintains a strong emphasis on supplier diversity and responsible sourcing. The company operates programs to include minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and other diverse businesses in its supplier base, and it requires adherence to its Supplier Code of Conduct, human-rights standards, and environmental responsibility across the supply chain.
Recent developments and challenges
In recent years, Ford, like the broader auto industry, has faced supply-chain challenges including semiconductor shortages and the need to secure battery-cell capacity. The company has mitigated risk through dual-sourcing of critical components, regional manufacturing expansion, and continued investment in battery production capacity with partners such as BlueOval SK. Ford's supply chain strategy emphasizes resilience, traceability, and sustainability as it scales EV production.
- Diversification of suppliers to reduce single-source risk
- Strategic investment in North American battery production through BlueOval SK
- Enhanced supply-chain transparency and compliance programs
The evolving network reflects Ford's push to balance cost, quality, and sustainability across a global manufacturing footprint.
Summary
Ford Motor Company's supplier ecosystem is a global, multi-tier system anchored by a core group of Tier-1 partners and a strategic battery-cell plan built around BlueOval SK and other cell suppliers. The company emphasizes quality, ethical sourcing, and resilience as it expands its EV offerings while maintaining traditional internal-combustion vehicle production with a vast, diverse network of suppliers worldwide.
Are Ford cars 100% American made?
No, no Ford vehicle is 100% American-made because no car is, due to the complex global supply chain for parts. However, Ford assembles more vehicles in the United States than any other automaker, with nearly 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. being domestically assembled.
Domestic assembly vs. 100% American-made
- Domestic assembly: Many Ford models, such as the F-150, are assembled in the United States.
- Component sourcing: Many components, however, are sourced from other countries, including Mexico and Canada, making 100% American-made a difficult and complex goal.
- Examples of non-domestic assembly: Some models, like the Ford Maverick and Bronco Sport, are assembled in Mexico.
- Design and engineering: Even if a vehicle is assembled abroad, it is still designed and engineered by Ford's American teams.
Who is the manufacturer for Ford?
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Co. was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford Motor Company produces all of the Lincoln, Mercury, and Ford brands but they also have part ownership with Mazda, Aston Marin, and Volvo. These other vehicle lines are located in England, Japan, and Sweden.
What is Ford's supply chain?
Ford's supply chain digital twin design. Ford's SCDT design is composed of three major layers: intracompany supply chain, Tier-1 network, and deep-tier network.
Who are the suppliers for Ford?
Ford, the second-largest automaker in the US, has a number of suppliers, including many famous indirect suppliers. Major suppliers of airbags include Autoliv, while Warn Industries supplies axle assemblies and Flex-N-Gate Seeburn supplies door hinges and arms. Indirect suppliers include FedEx, Union Pacific, and Roush.
