A Short Exploration The Timeline Of The Well-known Us Automobile Company, Ford

By Author: Isabell Isai
Total Articles: 74
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Founded by 12 investors in 1903 contributing $28,000, most notably Horace and John Dodge, who later went on to create the hugely-successful US brand, Dodge. The first Ford vehicle was also created in this year - the 'Fordmobile' (Model A).

After this, the company expanded, eventually becoming the motoring titan that it is today, though this is not to say that it has not any negative aspects to its history. Following are the five key points of the timeline of the Ford Motor Company:

1896-1903: In 1896, Henry Ford constructs his first ever vehicle, the Ford Quadracycle, which was a fairly basic vehicle - on a buggy frame with 4 bicycle wheels. Henry Ford then creates the Detroit Automobile Company in 1898, but this was dissolved within the next two and a half years. Following, in 1901, Ford wins a high-profile race and afterwards the Henry Ford Company is assembled but is later discontinued the following year. Ultimately, Ford Motor Company is formed in 1903.

1906-1919: Ford becomes the top selling brand in the US, with 8,700 models produced by 1906. In the subsequent three years, Ford Motor Company England, ...
... otherwise known as Ford Britain, is established and begins to tap into the UK market. After two years, to cater to UK demand, Ford open a factory in the Manchester region to speed up sales and ease production. Edsel Ford takes presidency of Ford in 1919.

1929-1945: In 1929, Ford can be seen, with an annual production peak of 1.5 million, thereby dominating the production market, knocking Chevy off the top spot. Ford create a general purpose jeep designed for military use in 1941 and modern models still sport the pressed metal grille that was designed for the original vehicles. Two years later in 1943, Edsel Ford dies of cancer, with Henry Ford resuming presidency, until his grandson, Henry Ford II (also son of Edsel) takes over the position.

1947-1989: Henry Ford dies in 1947, leaving Henry Ford II to take over as chairman. A decade later, Ford launched the Edsel brand of automobiles and also sees production of around 1.68 million vehicles. Three years following, Robert McNamara, the newly-appointed US Secretary of Defense becomes the President of Ford. In 1967, Ford of Europe is established to dominate further markets. Ford acquires 25% in Mazda in 1977, also acquiring Hertz Rent-a-Car and Aston Martin Lagonda in 1987. Ford also acquire Jaguar in 1989.

1999-2010: Great grandson of Henry Ford, Bill Ford becomes chairman of the Board and acquires Volvo car division in 1999. In 2000, BMW sell Land Rover to Ford. Ford closes unprofitable factories in 2006 as part of a restructuring program and Alan Mulally is also elected president and CEO. Over the next three years, in spite of significant company losses, Ford sell Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover. Even with this, leasing a Ford Kuga is a markedly popular choice on the leasing market.

Thankfully, Ford has a strong brand confidence and combined with an effective restructuring program, it would appear likely that the firm will soon regain the market dominance and profits it once had; however, whatever happens, it is clear that this is one of the most important vehicle brands that has cemented its place in automotive history.