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From its founding in 1903 by Henry Ford in Detroit, Ford Motor Company grew to become one of the world’s largest and most influential automakers over the next 120 years.
Powered by the revolutionary Model T and assembly line production, Ford revolutionized personal travel and manufacturing alike as it expanded globally.
The following timeline chronicles the major events, vehicles, acquisitions, innovations and more in the remarkable history of Ford.
EARLY HISTORY (1903-1929)
1903 — Henry Ford & Founding
The Ford Motor Company founded by Henry Ford and 11 associates on June 16th, 1903 in Detroit, Michigan, beginning production of the Model A from the company’s Mack Avenue plant.
1908 — Model T
The revolutionary mass-market Model T is introduced, initially selling for $850.
Its simple design and affordability help make car ownership accessible to middle class Americans.
By 1918 half of all cars on the road were Model Ts.
1911 — International Expansion
To meet international demand, Ford opens its first factory abroad in Trafford Park, Manchester, England.
This begins Ford’s expansion into Europe and the global marketplace.
1914 — 40 Hour Workweek
A landmark $5 per 8-hour workday offered to Ford factory workers in Detroit, more than doubling pay.
This establishes the modern 40-hour, 5-day work week that becomes the labor standard.
1916 — Assembly Line
Ford pioneers moving assembly lines and mass production, selling over 1 million Model Ts in one year for the first time.
1919 — Lincoln Motor Company
Ford acquires the prestigious luxury automaker Lincoln Motor Company to expand into the high-end market.
The acquisition costs $8 million.
1927 — Model A
After selling over 15 million Model Ts, the cornerstone Model A goes into production as Ford shifts to a more conventional design.
Features standard electrical systems and hydraulics.
MID-CENTURY EXPANSION (1930-1979)
1932 — V8 Engine
Ford unveils its groundbreaking flathead V8 engine, the first affordable and mass-produced V8 bringing unprecedented power to mainstream cars.
1941-1945 — WW2
With American auto plants redirected for the war effort—Ford manufactures bombers, jeeps, tanks, aircraft engines helping the Allies achieve victory in WWII.
1946 — 1 Million Cars
Post-war economic boom fuels massive auto demand—Ford division sells over 1 million vehicles again now that factories have retooled for consumer production.
1952 — Ford Mainline
Ford Mainline becomes the first low-priced, mass production car with power steering offered as an option, seen as a major innovation.
1956 — IPO
Ford completes its IPO, selling common stock publicly for the first time.
The Ford family retains 40% ownership, establishing precedent for dual-class share structure.
1959 — Ford Falcon
The compact Ford Falcon introduced to compete with popular imports like Volkswagen.
Wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award.
1964 — European Expansion
Following earlier European success, Ford creates Ford Europe joint holding company to consolidate manufacturing and selling operations across the continent.
1965 — 2 Million Auto Sales
Total Ford division sales eclipse 2 million vehicles in one year for the first time, establishing it as an auto sales leader.
1966-1969 — Le Mans
The legendary Ford GT40 dominates endurance racing, winning the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans 4 straight years demonstrating Ford’s engineering prowess.
1970 — Continental Mark III
Continuing to target the lucrative high-end market, Ford launches the Continental Mark III luxury coupe, sparking the “personal luxury car” craze.
MODERN ERA (1980-PRESENT)
1981 — Hertz
Ford acquires Hertz Rent-a-Car corporation, the largest US car rental company, for $1.3 billion in cash as part of a diversification strategy.
1985 — Jaguar Motors
Ford purchases storied British sports car maker Jaguar Motors and forms the Premier Automotive Group division to manage new luxury brands.
1989 — Aston Martin
Continuing high-end brand acquisition, Ford buys legendary Aston Martin of James Bond fame for $150 million at auction.
1999 — Volvo
Expands European presence purchasing Sweden’s Volvo car group for $6.45 billion, attracting safety-focused customer segment.
2000 — Bill Ford
Bill Ford, the great grandson of Henry Ford, assumes CEO role—the first non-family member to lead the company in its history after owning family had controlled for nearly 100 years.
2008 — Luxury Burnout
Facing dire financial pressures during the Great Recession, Ford sells ultra luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover to India’s Tata Motors.
The brands were part of the Premier Auto Group.
2020 — EV Expansion
Announces major global reorganization and $11 billion investment to rapidly transition vehicle production to EVs, autonomous, and mobility technologies.
2022 — Reorganization
Launches first major reorganization in 120 years, splitting into 3 distinct auto divisions: Ford Blue (ICE vehicles), Ford Model E (EVs), and Ford Pro (commercial vehicles).
2023 — Mustang Mach-E
Pioneers hands-free “BlueCruise” driving assistance in the UK, allowing drivers to remove hands from wheel on highways when system activated.
First offered on electric Mustang Mach-E.