What Other Car Companies Does Ford Own? A Comprehensive Look At The Blue Oval Empire

Rex Haag 12 May 2025

When you think of Ford, you probably picture iconic vehicles like the Mustang or the F-150 truck, but did you know Ford's influence stretches far beyond its own brand? Yep, the Blue Oval isn't just about Ford-branded cars and trucks. The company has a rich history of acquisitions and partnerships that might surprise even the most die-hard car enthusiasts. So, if you're wondering, "What other car companies does Ford own?" buckle up, because we're diving deep into the automotive empire that is Ford Motor Company.

Now, let me paint you a picture. Ford isn't just another car company; it's a global powerhouse with fingers in many pies. Over the years, Ford has acquired several brands, some of which have become household names in their own right. But here's the twist—Ford doesn't just own these companies for the heck of it. Each acquisition was carefully planned, designed to expand Ford's reach and influence in the automotive world.

So, whether you're a gearhead or just someone who's curious about what makes Ford tick, this article is for you. We'll break down Ford's ownership history, explore its current holdings, and even peek into the future to see what might be coming down the pipeline. Ready? Let's hit the road!

A Brief History of Ford's Acquisitions
What Car Companies Does Ford Currently Own?
Volvo: The Rise and Fall of Ford's Swedish Venture
Jaguar Land Rover: The British Connection
Mazda: A Partnership That Left Its Mark
Ford's Pinnacle: Other Notable Holdings
What's Next for Ford's Automotive Empire?
Ford's Global Reach: The Numbers Speak
How Ford Stacks Up Against Its Competitors
Wrapping It Up: Ford's Legacy and Future

A Brief History of Ford's Acquisitions

Alright, let's rewind a bit. Ford's history of acquisitions dates back decades, and it all started with a vision to diversify its product lineup. Back in the day, Ford wasn't just about muscle cars and trucks. The company had big dreams of becoming a global automotive giant, and that meant expanding its portfolio.

One of the earliest and most notable acquisitions was Lincoln in 1922. Lincoln wasn't just any luxury brand; it was a symbol of American opulence, and Ford's purchase of Lincoln was a game-changer. This acquisition marked the beginning of Ford's journey into the luxury car market, and it set the stage for future expansions.

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and Ford was on a roll. The company acquired several high-profile brands, including Jaguar and Land Rover in the late '80s and early '90s. These acquisitions weren't just about adding more brands to Ford's stable; they were about creating a global presence that could rival the best in the industry.

Why Did Ford Make These Moves?

Here's the thing: Ford didn't just buy companies for the sake of it. Each acquisition was part of a larger strategy to expand its market share, diversify its product lineup, and tap into new customer bases. For example, acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover gave Ford access to the lucrative European luxury car market, while Lincoln allowed it to dominate the American luxury scene.

But let's not forget Mazda. Ford's partnership with Mazda in the '70s and '80s wasn't exactly an acquisition, but it was a collaboration that produced some of the most iconic cars of the era. The Ford Probe, anyone? Yep, that was a Mazda-Ford collaboration, and it was a hit with car enthusiasts worldwide.

What Car Companies Does Ford Currently Own?

Now, let's get down to business. What car companies does Ford currently own? As of 2023, Ford's portfolio includes:

Ford - The flagship brand, obviously.
Lincoln - Ford's luxury division, still going strong after all these years.
BlueOvalSK - A joint venture with SK Innovation focused on electric vehicle battery production.
Argo AI - Ford's self-driving technology partner, working on autonomous vehicle solutions.

Notice something missing? That's right—Ford no longer owns Jaguar Land Rover or Volvo. More on that later, but for now, let's focus on what Ford does own and how these brands fit into its overall strategy.

The Importance of Lincoln

Lincoln remains a crucial part of Ford's lineup, offering luxury vehicles that compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. With models like the Navigator and the Aviator, Lincoln continues to push the boundaries of what a luxury SUV can be. And let's not forget about the Corsair and the Continental, both of which have carved out their own niches in the luxury market.

Volvo: The Rise and Fall of Ford's Swedish Venture

Back in 1999, Ford made headlines by acquiring Volvo Cars. This was a bold move, and at the time, it made perfect sense. Volvo was known for its safety and reliability, and Ford saw an opportunity to expand its reach into the European market. But as with any acquisition, things don't always go as planned.

By 2010, Ford decided to sell Volvo to Geely, a Chinese automaker. Why? Well, it turns out that running a global automotive empire isn't as easy as it sounds. Ford realized that maintaining multiple brands under one roof was costly and complex, especially when some of those brands didn't align with Ford's long-term strategy.

Lessons Learned from Volvo

So, what did Ford learn from its time with Volvo? For starters, it learned that not every acquisition is a good fit. While Volvo brought a lot to the table in terms of safety and engineering expertise, it also came with its own set of challenges, including cultural differences and market competition.

But more importantly, Ford learned that sometimes it's better to focus on what you do best. Instead of trying to be all things to all people, Ford decided to double down on its core brands—Ford and Lincoln—and let go of the rest.

Jaguar Land Rover: The British Connection

Let's talk about Jaguar Land Rover, another brand that Ford once owned. Ford acquired Jaguar in 1989 and Land Rover in 2000, combining the two under a single umbrella. For a while, it seemed like a match made in heaven. Jaguar brought its luxury credentials, while Land Rover brought its off-road expertise.

But like Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover eventually became too much to handle. In 2008, Ford sold both brands to Tata Motors, an Indian conglomerate. The reasons were similar to those with Volvo—costs, complexity, and strategic misalignment.

What Did Ford Gain from Jaguar Land Rover?

Despite the eventual sale, Ford's time with Jaguar Land Rover wasn't all bad. The company gained valuable engineering expertise and learned a lot about the luxury and off-road markets. Plus, it produced some iconic vehicles during its tenure, including the Jaguar XJ and the Range Rover Sport.

Mazda: A Partnership That Left Its Mark

We can't talk about Ford's history without mentioning Mazda. While Ford never fully acquired Mazda, it did hold a significant stake in the company from the '70s to the early 2000s. This partnership produced some of the most memorable cars of the era, including the Ford Probe and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

But like all good things, the partnership eventually came to an end. Ford sold its stake in Mazda in 2010, citing the need to focus on its core brands. Still, the legacy of the Ford-Mazda partnership lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere.

Ford's Pinnacle: Other Notable Holdings

Aside from its car brands, Ford has several other notable holdings that contribute to its success. One of the most important is BlueOvalSK, its joint venture with SK Innovation. This partnership is focused on developing electric vehicle batteries, a crucial component of Ford's future strategy.

Then there's Argo AI, Ford's self-driving technology partner. Argo AI is working on autonomous vehicle solutions that could revolutionize the way we think about transportation. While these ventures might not be as glamorous as owning luxury car brands, they're just as important to Ford's long-term success.

What's Next for Ford's Automotive Empire?

So, what's next for Ford? Well, the company is doubling down on electric vehicles and autonomous driving. With models like the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning already making waves, Ford is positioning itself as a leader in the EV space. And with Argo AI working on self-driving technology, the future looks bright for the Blue Oval.

But don't think Ford is forgetting about its roots. The company continues to produce iconic vehicles like the Mustang and the F-150, ensuring that its legacy lives on for generations to come.

Ford's Global Reach: The Numbers Speak

Let's talk numbers for a second. Ford is one of the largest automakers in the world, with operations in over 100 countries. In 2022 alone, Ford sold over 4 million vehicles globally, making it one of the top-selling brands worldwide.

Here are some other fun facts about Ford:

Ford employs over 180,000 people worldwide.
The company invests billions of dollars annually in research and development.
Ford's market capitalization is over $50 billion.

These numbers don't just show how big Ford is—they show how important it is to the global economy. And as Ford continues to innovate and expand, those numbers are only going to grow.

How Ford Stacks Up Against Its Competitors

Of course, Ford isn't the only game in town. The automotive industry is fiercely competitive, and Ford faces stiff competition from brands like General Motors, Toyota, and Tesla. So, how does Ford stack up?

Well, Ford has a few things going for it. For starters, it has a strong brand with a rich history. The Mustang and the F-150 are two of the most iconic vehicles in the world, and they continue to sell like hotcakes. Plus, Ford's focus on electric vehicles and autonomous driving shows that the company is serious about staying ahead of the curve.

But let's not forget about Ford's global reach. With operations in over 100 countries, Ford is truly a global brand. And its partnerships with companies like SK Innovation and Argo AI show that Ford is willing to collaborate to achieve its goals.

Wrapping It Up: Ford's Legacy and Future

So, there you have it—the answer to the question, "What other car companies does Ford own?" While Ford's portfolio isn't as vast as it once was, the company continues to be a major player in the automotive industry. With brands like Ford and Lincoln, and ventures like BlueOvalSK and Argo AI, Ford is well-positioned for the future.

But here's the thing: Ford's success isn't just about the brands it owns or the cars it produces. It's about the people who work for Ford, the communities it serves, and the innovations it brings to the world. Whether you're a fan of muscle cars or electric vehicles, there's something for everyone in Ford's lineup.

So, what's next for Ford? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the Blue Oval isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And if you're a fan of cars, that's a good thing.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, feel free to leave a comment or share it with your friends. And if you're looking for more automotive insights, be sure to check out our other articles. Until next time, keep on rolling!

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