History of Ford Motor Company - General Corporate Timeline

General Corporate Timeline

• 1896: Henry Ford builds his first vehicle – the Quadricycle – on a buggy frame with 4 bicycle wheels.
• 1898: Ford creates the Detroit Automobile Company; two and a half years later it is dissolved.
• 1901: Ford wins high-profile car race in Grosse Pointe, Mi
• 1901: The Henry Ford Company is incorporated but discontinued the following year only to be reinvigorated by Henry Leland as the Cadillac Motor Company
• 1903: Ford Motor Company incorporated with 11 original investors. The Model A "Fordmobile" is introduced - 1,708 cars are produced.
• 1904: Ford Motor Company of Canada incorporated in Walkerville, Ontario
• 1904: Henry Ford teams up with Harvey Firestone of Firestone Tires
• 1906: Ford becomes the top selling brand in the US, with 8,729 cars produced.
• 1908: Model T is introduced. 15 million are produced through 1927.
• 1909: Ford Motor Company (England) established, otherwise referred to as Ford of Britain
• 1911: Ford opens first factory outside North America – in Manchester, England.
• 1913: The moving assembly line is introduced at Highland Park assembly plant, making Model T production 8 times faster.
• 1913: Ford opens second world branch in Argentina as Ford Motor Argentina
• 1914: Ford introduces $5 ($116, adjusted for inflation) workday minimum wage – double the existing rate.
• 1918: Construction of the Rouge assembly complex begins.
• 1919: Edsel Ford succeeds Henry as Company President.
• 1920: Ford temporarily shuts down due to low sales. After removing unnecessary administrative expenses and waste, Ford reopens.
• 1921: Ford production exceeds 1 million cars per year, nearly 10 times more than Chevrolet - the next biggest selling brand.
• 1922: Ford purchases Lincoln Motor Company for US $8 million ($111 million, adjusted for inflation).
• 1925: Ford introduces Ford Tri-Motor airplane for airline services, and a factory was built in Yokohama, Japan in February.
• 1926: Ford Australia is founded in Geelong, Victoria, Australia,
• 1927: Model T production ends, Ford introduces the next generation Model A, from the Rouge complex.
• 1929: Ford regains production crown, with annual production peaking at 1.5 million cars
• 1931: Ford and Chevy brands begin to alternate as U.S. production leaders, in battle for automobile sales during the Great Depression.
• 1932: Ford introduces the one-piece cast V8 block. It makes the Model 18 the first low-priced V8-powered car. In London Royal Albert Hall the Model 19, or as it was marketed Model Y, are introduced February 19. The first of a long line of small European Fords.
• 1936: Lincoln-Zephyr is introduced.
• 1938: The German consul at Cleveland awards Henry Ford the Grand Cross of the German Eagle, the highest medal Nazi Germany could bestow on a foreigner. There is some evidence Ford had Nazi sympathies, at least before World War II. He may have financed some Nazi activities, and was active in anti-semitic efforts.
• 1939: Mercury division is formed to fill the gap between economical Fords and luxury Lincolns. Operated as a division at Ford until 1945
• 1941: The Lincoln Continental is introduced. Ford begins building general-purpose "jeep" for the military. First labor agreement with UAW-CIO covers North American employees.
• 1942: Production of civilian vehicles halted, diverting factory capacity to producing B-24 Liberator bombers, tanks, and other products for the war effort.
• 1943: Edsel Ford dies of cancer at the age of 49, Henry Ford resumes presidency.
• 1945: Henry Ford II becomes president.
• 1945: Lincoln and Mercury are combined into a single division.
• 1946: Ford sues the allies for damages done to his factories in Dresden during the infamous bombing, and wins compensation.
• 1946: The Whiz Kids, former US Army Air Force officers, are hired to revitalize the company. Automobile production resumes.
• 1947: Henry Ford dies of cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 83; Henry Ford II becomes new chairman.
• 1948: F-1 Truck introduced. Lincoln Continental is introduced.
• 1949: The '49 Ford introduces all-new post-war era cars. The "Woody" station wagon is introduced.
• 1953 Ford Canada Headquarters and Car Plant opens in Oakville, Ontario
• 1954: Thunderbird introduced as a personal luxury car with a V8. Ford begins crash testing, and opens Arizona Proving Grounds.
• 1956: $10,000 ($86.5 thousand, adjusted for inflation) Lincoln Continental Mark II introduced. Ford goes public with common stock shares. Ford's emphasis on safety with is Lifeguard option package, including seat belts and dash padding, earns the company Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" award.
• 1957: Ford launches the Edsel brand of automobiles in the fall of 1957 as 1958 models. Ford is top selling brand, with 1.68 million automobiles produced.
• 1959: Ford Credit Corporation formed to provide automotive financing.
• 1959: Ford withdraws the 1960 model Edsels from the market in November 1959.
• 1960: Ford Galaxie and compact Ford Falcon introduced.
• 1960: Robert Mcnamara is appointed President of Ford by Chairman Henry Ford II.
• 1960: Ford President Robert McNamara appointed Secretary of Defense by President elect John F. Kennedy.
• 1962: Ford of Britain launches first generation of the Ford Cortina. It would dominate the mid-size family segment in Europe for the next 20 years.
• 1964: Ford Mustang the car that started the "pony car" class, Ford GT40 challenges Ferrari and Porsche at LeMans.
• 1965: Ford brand US sales exceed 2 million units. Ford of Germany and Ford of Britain jointly launch the first generation Ford Transit range of panel vans.
• 1965: Ford Galaxie 500 LTD debuts, advertised as quieter than a Rolls Royce
• 1966: Ford Bronco sport utility vehicle introduced.
• 1967: Ford of Europe is established by merging the operations of Ford of Britain and Ford of Germany.
• 1967: Ford opens Talbotville car plant in St. Thomas, Ontario
• 1968: Lincoln Mark Series is introduced as the company's first personal luxury car to compete with the Cadillac Eldorado. Ford of Europe launches first generation Ford Escort.
• 1970: Ford Maverick are introduced. Ford establishes Asia Pacific operations. Ford of Europe launches the third generation Cortina/Taunus - merging the two previously independent product lines under a common platform.
• 1972: Retractable seat belts introduced.
• 1973: Ford US brand sales reaches an all time high of 2.35 million vehicles produced.
• 1974: Ford Mustang II debuts as a smaller more economical pony car.
• 1975: Ford Granada and Mercury Monarch introduced, Maverick continues
• 1975: Ford of Europe launches the second generation Escort.
• 1976: Ford of Europe launches the first generation Ford Fiesta
• 1977: Ford of Europe launches the fourth generation Cortina/Taunus
• 1978: Ford Motor Company celebrates 75th anniversary. Continental Mark V and Thunderbird available with "Diamond Jubilee Edition" packages. Fiesta is imported from Europe as an entry into the economy segment.
• 1979: Ford acquires 25% stake in Mazda. Ford becomes the final American automaker to introduce downsized full-size cars with radically smaller Panther platform.
• 1980: Ford of Europe launches the third generation Escort, it is voted European Car of the Year for 1981.
• 1981: The Lincoln Town Car and Ford Escort are introduced. Fiesta discontinued in North America.
• 1982: Ford of Europe introduce the Ford Sierra, ending production of the stalwart Cortina/Taunus after 20 years and four generations.
• 1984: Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz are introduced.
• 1985: Ford Scorpio launched by Ford of Europe. Replaces Granada as its full-size offering and is voted European Car Of The Year for 1986, Ford's second COTY win in the 1980s. Merkur brand launched to market the Sierra and Scorpio models in North America.
• 1985: Purchases First Nationwide Financial Corporation, a savings and loan. Sold in 1994 after large losses.
• 1985: Ford Taurus introduced with dramatic "aero design" styling, along with Ford Aerostar minivan.
• 1986: Ford of Europe launches the second generation of the Transit van family. Ford Capri ceases production.
• 1987: Ford acquires Aston Martin Lagonda and Hertz Rent-a-Car.
• 1988: Ford Festiva, built in Korea by Kia is introduced.
• 1989: Ford acquires Jaguar. Mazda MX-5 Miata is unveiled. Third generation Fiesta is launched in Europe - and establishes itself as the fastest selling generation of Fiesta to date - 1 million units in less than two years.
• 1989: Acquires Associates First Capital Corporation, a finance company. In 1998, it is spun-off to Ford shareholders.
• 1990: Ford Aerostar is Motor Trend's Truck Of The Year, while Lincoln Town Car is Motor Trend's Car Of The Year.
• 1990: Merkur brand of automobiles production discontinued. Ford of Europe launches fourth generation Escort.
• 1991: Ford Explorer is introduced, turning the traditionally rural and recreational SUV into a popular family vehicle.
• 1992: Ford Taurus becomes America's top selling car, displacing the Honda Accord. Ford of Europe announces first generation Ford Mondeo, the first product of the global CDW27 platform
• 1993: Ford launches Mondeo in Europe, and announces its North American derivatives - the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique
• 1994: Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz are discontinued - replaced by Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique* 1994: Ford Aspire replaces Festiva, becoming the first car in its class to offer standard dual air bags and optional 4-wheel ABS.
• 1995: Ford's first front-wheel-drive V8 sedan is introduced, the 4.6L V8-powered Lincoln Continental. Ford of Europe launches fourth-generation Fiesta.
• 1995: New front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan is introduced. Aerostar remains in production. Redesigned Ford Explorer released, now with standard safety features such as dual air bags, 4-wheel ABS as standard equipment.
• 1996: Ford certifies all plants in 26 countries to ISO 9000 quality and ISO 14001 environmental standards. The V12-powered Jaguar XJS is discontinued.
• 1996: Controversially redesigned "Ovoid" Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are introduced. Exit of Chevrolet Caprice leaves full size fleet market to Ford Crown Victoria.
• 1996: Ford increases investment stake in a troubled Mazda Corporation to a controlling interest of 33.4%.
• 1997: Full size 4-door SUV Ford Expedition introduced replace the Ford Bronco.Mercury Mountaineer introduced. Redesigned Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer also introduced.
• 1997: Ford Aerostar production ends, along with Ford Probe, Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Mazda MX-6, and Ford Aspire, without immediate replacement.
• 1997: Sculpted redesign of Ford's top-selling F-150 pickup, overcomes controversy to set sales records.
• 1998: Lincoln Navigator creates domestic luxury SUV class. Mark VIII is in its final year, introduces HID-headlamps.
• 1998: The Focus replaces the ageing Escort in Europe and quickly becomes one of the best-selling cars of the segment. Is launched in North America for the 2000 model year.
• 1999: Ford acquires Volvo car division from Volvo. Bill Ford becomes Chairman of the Board, replacing Jacques Nasser.
• 1999: A smaller sporty Mercury Cougar is reintroduced with front-wheel drive.
• 1999: Jaguar Racing Formula One team is formed, with Jackie Stewart at the helm.
• 1999: Ford splits its full-sized pick-ups into two distinct models (the first to do so) with the introduction of the Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250 - F-550). Ford Excursion (based on Super Duty) is introduced, and has the distinction of being the largest SUV sold anywhere.
• 2000: Ford purchases Land Rover brand from BMW. Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type are introduced, along with a refreshed Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. The Lincoln LS becomes the 2000 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Escort is discontinued in Europe. Third generation Transit platform is launched in Europe.
• 2001: Retro-styled Ford Thunderbird is introduced, based on the Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-Type DEW98 platform, and is also named Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2002.
• 2002: Fifth-generation Fiesta is launched by Ford of Europe.
• 2002: Lincoln Continental is discontinued after a roughly fifty year run. Jaguar X-Type is introduced (first AWD Jaguar). Escort van production ends in Europe, marking the end of the Escort name after a 24-year production run. Ford Transit Connect production begins at Ford-Otosan in Turkey.
• 2003: Ford Motor Company's 100th Anniversary. The Ford GT is released, along with limited Centennial editions of some Ford vehicles.
• 2004: Jaguar Racing team sold to Red Bull GmbH. Ranger sales decline, losing the title as top-selling compact pickup. The similar Mazda B-series pickup is withdrawn from the US market. The Ford Escape Hybrid, the first gasoline-electric hybrid SUV, is introduced. Major redesign of the Ford F-150 and introduction of the Lincoln Mark LT. Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans are introduced, replacing the Ford Windstar and Mercury Villager.
• 2005: Ford Mustang redesigned with retro styling reminiscent of the 1960s models. The Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and Ford Freestyle are introduced. Mercury Sable production ends, and Ford Taurus production is limited to rental car, taxi, and other fleet sales.
• 2006: Ford Taurus ends production after a 20-year run. Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr introduced. Ford announces major restructuring program The Way Forward, which includes plans to shut unprofitable factories. Bill Ford steps down as CEO, remains as Executive Chairman. Alan Mulally elected President and CEO. Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans are discontinued without replacement. Ford mortgages all assets to raise $23.4 billion cash in secured credit lines, in order to finance product development during restructuring through 2009. According to J. D. Power and Associates quality surveys, the Ford Fusion is rated higher in quality than its chief rivals, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
• 2007: Ford reports losses of $12.7 billion for 2006. Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX introduced. The Lincoln Zephyr is replaced with the Lincoln MKZ. A redesigned Ford Expedition (including the longer wheelbase "EL" version) and Lincoln Navigator are introduced. Ford unveils the Ford Interceptor and Lincoln MKR concept cars, and a pre-production Lincoln MKS is introduced. The Ford Five Hundred, Ford Freestyle and Mercury Montego nameplates are dropped and replaced with the previously retired Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, and Mercury Sable nameplates.
• 2008: Ford of Europe launches sixth-generation Fiesta, based on the Verve concept car.
• 2007: Ford sells Aston Martin to a British consortium led by Prodrive chairman David Richards, and announces plans to sell Jaguar and Land Rover.
• 2008: Ford sells Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors.

Sources:

• General Timeline (through 2002): Ford Motor Company 2002 Annual Report
• Production figures: U.S. Automobile Production Figures

• 2009 Ford announces that it will leverage more of its European line-up for the North American market. The Turkish-built Transit Connect compact panel van is the first exponent of this strategy, followed by the sixth-generation Ford Fiesta subcompact.
• 2010 Ford sells Volvo Cars to Geely Automobile. Third generation Ford Focus unveilied - as with the first generation car, it will return to using a single platform for all markets - will be released in North America as a 2012 model.
• 2011: Mercury production ends. Ford Ranger, Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car are discontinued. Ford Focus Electric unveiled.
• 2012: Fourth generation Mondeo/Fusion previewed at the Detroit Motor Show, thus reuniting Ford's mid-size platform for Europe and North America for the first time since the CDW27 1st gen Mondeo/Contour/Mystique of 1994. Fourth generation Ford Transit/Tourneo announced.