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Is Ford Still an American Car Company?

Ford Motor Company remains an iconic benchmark in the American auto industry. It’s a known American car company. The Ford headquarters is in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford has been a prominent auto manufacturer for over a century and is releasing new exciting products like the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport. But is Ford still American? The …

Ford Motor Company remains an iconic benchmark in the American auto industry. It’s a known American car company. The Ford headquarters is in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford has been a prominent auto manufacturer for over a century and is releasing new exciting products like the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport. But is Ford still American?

2021 Ford F-150 Lariat driving on country road
2021 Ford F-150 Lariat | Ford

The car company has a global presence and produces cars overseas as well. In Australia, in particular, Ford is a leading auto brand. There are plants that manufacture Ford parts in other countries such as Mexico. So how much of Ford actually remain on American soil?

Is Ford still owned by the Ford family?

A Ford flag flies outside the Ford Motor Company Conference and Event Center
The Ford flag | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Henry Ford and his famed past are a huge part of what many people think of when they Ford name. Sure, there’s the F-150 pickup truck and other models steeped in history––like the Ford Mustang. But Henry Ford is the one who started it all. Is the Ford family still a part of the Ford Motor Company multinational auto corporation?

According to Forbes, the family does still own a stake in the company. However, the percentage currently owned by the Fords is smaller than it’s ever been. Still, they continue to grow their wealth and maintain heavy influence.

“Their stake in Ford Motor has never been smaller, yet it is worth 10 times more than it was two years ago, and the family’s influence over the company remains as strong as ever.”

Forbes | on the Ford family’s ownership of Ford Motor Company
2020 Ford Explorer ST driving down the road
2020 Ford Explorer ST | Ford

Apparently, the family only owns 2% stock. Yet, due to a special kind of stock, they still hold 40% of voting power within the company goings-on. In fact, the family’s honor for the legacy of the company likely had much to do with the fact that Ford managed to avoid bankruptcy in 2009.

Ford around the world

In what countries has Ford planted roots? According to the Ford Wikipedia page, Ford embarked on a number of global ventures over the years. Ford’s presence abroad includes a joint venture in China, called Changan Ford, and Lio Ho in Taiwan. Additionally, Ford is a part of AutoAlliance in Thailand, Ford Otosan in Turkey, as well as Russia’s Ford Sollers.

Ford F-150 trucks go through the assembly line at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant
Ford F-150 models in production | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

For originally typified the automobile assembly line, and now this method is used worldwide for the manufacture of cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. It is a multinational company with influence reaching far and wide. However, Ford’s headquarters rest in the Dearborn suburb of Michigan, United States.

Is Ford American?

Yes, Ford is considered American. Like other multinational auto corporations, Ford Motor Company has interests in other places. But Ford’s beginnings are entwined with American history, and the legacy lives on through the Ford family. This American car company is a national icon, selling more F-150 pickup trucks than any other car.

Not only has Ford seen success, but it has also shown resilience and forward-thinking. It won’t be going out of business anytime soon. The family will keep Henry Ford’s legacy alive at all costs. Dilution of assets is, of course, much better than losing shares altogether. For this reason, shareholders are happy with the family’s percentage of voting rights within Ford Motor Company.

For now, Ford remains an American car company with a future. The auto industry is constantly changing, fluid, and fueled by finance. But companies like Ford also ensure that the industry maintains a certain level of American innovation.

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