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History of Ford Motor Company
From the beginning to now -
Henry Ford joins Detroit Automobile Company
In 1899, Henry Ford joins a group to form the Detroit Automobile Company, but decides to leave within the first year. -
Henry Ford Deafeats Alexander Winton
In 1901, Ford defeats the top racecar driver of the time, Alexander Winton, w/ his 26-horse power “Sweepstakes” against Alex’s 70-horse power “Bullet”. This was achieved in 10 laps around the oval track at the Detroit Driving Club, and this victory lead to Ford attempting to auto manufacture, by his starting the Henry Ford Company. -
Model A Built and F.M.C Started
In 1903, with the help of 12 investors and 1000 shares (investing a total of 28,000 dollars), Henry Ford creates the first Model A Ford car, and nearly uses up all of his investment by the time he sold it (July 23).) However, by October 1st, his car company had turned a profit of $37,000. -
Ford Motor Company of Canada founded
In 1904 the Ford Motor Company of Canada is founded with separate shareholders in Ontario, and was not only used to produce cars for Canada, but also internationally. More specifically, with the current British Empire. -
Ford Typeface Trademarked
In 1907 Ford introduces the typeface that is trademarked and still used today. -
Model T Created
Ford introduces the Model T in 1908, which is the first reliable, affordable, and simple (not to mention durable) automobile. From the time they first were produced, till 1927 (end date) Ford produced 15 million Model T’s worldwide, making it one of the highest selling vehicles of all time. This also made it one of the most well-known cars in the world. -
Ford Introduces the first Moving Assembly Line
In 1913 Ford introduces the first moving assembly line to auto production. This innovation reduced the time it took to produce a Model T from 12 ½ hours to just 1 ½ hours, and revolutionized manufacturing and factory work as we know it today. (additionally it helped to lower the price of the Model T) -
The $5 Day
As of 1914, Henry Ford introduces the first $5 day, which was double the average wage of factory workers at that time. On top of that, he also shortened the work day from 9 hours to just 8. As a result, roughly 10,000 workers lined up in front of the employment office for Ford the next day, leaving their old jobs behind them. -
Migrating workers and Better Working Conditions at Ford
The large amount of workers that came in as a result also benefitted Ford, as it made the conditions of the work better (more workers to rotate), and decreased the stress of the assembly line. The lower hour shifts likewise allowed Ford to run 3 shifts instead of 2 in one day. -
Creation of American Middle Class
All of these perks (higher wage, lower hours, low stress, leisure time, personal mobility/buying from source) paved the path for the creation of the American Middle Class. -
Construction of River Rouge Complex
In 1917, Ford begins building the River Rouge Complex. This multipurpose factory was one of the first of its time, and has been crucial to the production of cars. This is because it contains many industries used in building cars like steel mills, tire and glass factories, a power plant, and depots for harvesting raw resources like coal, iron ore, rubber, and lumber. In its early years it employed as many as 100,000 workers, and is still very important to auto production today. -
Fort Model TT Truck is built
In the same year, Ford also created its first truck, the Ford Model TT. It was based off of the Model T car, but had a rear axle, and a reinforced body, weighing in at about one ton. -
Ford Assists Allies in WWI
In the year 1918, Ford assisted in the war effort of WW1, producing anti submarine boats, tanks, 38,000 Model T vehicles and ambulances, and even made 4,000 Liberty airplane engines. After the war was over, Ford even hired the wounded veterans, making them the first company to ever hire disabled people and create a work environment to suit their needs. -
Ford Begins Tri-Motor Planes and Airline Industry
In 1925 Ford begins production of Tri-Motor planes, nicknamed “the Tin Goose”, for America’s first commercial airlines. This not only began the commercial airline industry, but also helped the development of that industry. -
Last Model T Sold and Remake of Model A Created
Ford closes up its factories for a few months after selling one last Model T on May 26, 1927, and works on a design for a new car. The eventually design the Model A, commemorating the Model A of 1903 (Ford’s first car), and it was the first car to have the blue oval seen on Ford vehicles today. It also included advancements to the auto industry, like safety glass, and by 1931, Ford had sold over 5 million Model A’s despite the fact that it was during the Great Depression. -
V8 Flathead Created
In 1932, Ford creates the V8 Flathead engine (commonly used by hot rodders today), which was created just as people were interested in giving more power to their vehicles. And just like every other Ford product previously it was not only versatile, but also affordable. -
Medium-Priced Mercury Unveiled
In 1938, Ford unveils the medium-priced Mercury brand. This was a cross between an affordable car (for middle and lower class Americans), but at the same time it had the feel and style of the Lincoln luxury cars (also Ford-made). -
Ford Begins making Jeeps for U.S Military
In 1941, Ford began to make Jeeps for the U.S. Military. The nickname “jeep” comes for the abbreviation GP, which stands for general-purpose designation. -
Ford helps allies during WWII
During the height of WWII in 1942, Ford stops all public production of vehicles, and aids the war effort by building automobiles, planes, tanks, plane engines and parts, and other materials for ally troops. By the end of the war, Ford had produced over 8,000 B-24 Liberator bombers. -
Ford Introduces F-Series
In 1948 Ford introduces the F-Series trucks, which differ from the pre-war trucks in that their chassis was that of a truck not a car. This series of 8 trucks at the time varied in size and weight, going from the ½ ton F-1 all the way to the 3 ton F-8. In 1953, Ford replaces the F-1 model with the F-100 (still ½ ton), and adds the F-250 ¾ ton and F-350 1 ton trucks. This series would go on from then to now as the highest selling truck series in the country. -
Thunderbird Created
In 1954, Ford creates the Thunderbird, which was designed for comfort and convenience over sport. This car is considered a classic today. -
Crash Testing Begins
In the same year, Ford Motor Company begins crash testing their vehicles. In the 60 years since that first day, over 31,000 crash tests for Ford products have been made around the world. Today, Ford also uses virtual crash testing in addition to physical, which give them more data than ever before. -
Mustang Created
In 1964 the Ford Mustang was first put on sale, made known for its short deck, long hood, customizable features, and all for an affordable price. It was a huge success, and is known as one of the fastest-selling vehicles in history. The car also was featured in songs and in movies like Bullitt, making it an icon for the American people as well. -
Mission Control Built
In the year 1965, Ford-Philco engineers unveil the Mission Control Center to attempt putting a man on the moon. From ‘61 to ‘74, Ford owned Philco, which at that time produced consumer electronics, computer systems, and military projects. In addition to designing/building and staffing Mission Control, Ford’s Philco electronics subsidiary provided support work for NASA’s Apollo and Gemini missions. -
Ford Wins LeMans
“In 1966, Ford broke Ferrari’s 6-year winning streak at Le Mans to become the first American car manufacturer to ever win the race.” (--Ford) These four consecutive victories for Ford (1966, 1967, 1968, 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans) were achieved with various models of the GT40, the fastest race model of Ford’s at the time (and still in some cases today). -
New Racing Belts
By 1970 Ford had produced three-point, self-adjusting lap and shoulder seat belts (for racing). -
INTELSAT V's Built
Ford Aerospace and Communications Company evolved out of Philco, and built the seven INTELSAT V satellites that still orbit Earth today, and allow for communications between continents. -
Jim Caldwell takes over as CEO of Ford
In 1980, Jim Caldwell succeeded Henry Ford II as the chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Company, the first ever outside of the Ford family. -
Taurus Created
Ford revolutionized automotive design in 1985 with the Taurus sedan. “Its aerodynamic “jelly bean” body style” (--Ford) changed the way cars were perceived to look, from boxy sedan styles, to the commonly known styles we see today. It also increased a push for quality front-wheel drive designs. -
Modular Assembly Line
In 1986, Ford tries the first ever modular assembly line at St. Louis, which was a success and is still used today by Ford. (Modular= assembly line + subassembly lines that make parts for main assembly line that holds main car frame) -
Ford Explorer made
The Explorer helps launch the start of the SUV market, as it substitutes sedans, wagons and vans, and has become one of Ford’s most popular Vehicles. -
Ford Mondeo made
The Ford Mondeo is the first worldwide produced sedan (aka the Fusion/Contour/Mercury Mystique). -
GT becomes the Premium Sports Car
In 2004, Ford introduces the GT (specifically the GT40) as its premium sports car, with a mid-engine, 550 horsepower, and was inspired by the original and legendary GT40. -
Ford is still going strong today, with EcoBoost Motors
From 2009 to today, Ford continues to revolutionize the car business, and is now using new technologies like EcoBoost motors (more fuel economy and power than natural motors). -
Today
