The Ford Motor Company was established in 1903 by Henry Ford and has been one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers ever since. Making its hometown of Detroit famous as the "motor city", Ford has been instrumental in the development of the industry. In 1913 the company perfected the moving assembly line method of production, allowing car parts to be more efficiently assembled and greatly reducing costs, while in 1993 they became the first company to introduce airbags as standard across their range.
The Model T was first introduced in 1908 and within five years represented half of all cars in America. Despite facing tough competition in the early 1920s Ford was soon producing over one million cars each year and in 1954 introduced the popular Thunderbird. Ten years later the Mustang was born, alone selling over one million units in its first 18 months.
Ford has maintained its position as a leading manufacturer with the Escort, Mondeo and Focus models all being named European Car of The Year during the 1980s and 1990s. The Ford Focus has become UK's biggest selling car by some distance as well as proving popular across the world.
Despite ceasing production in Great Britain in 2001 Ford has expanded greatly throughout the world, with factories on six continents. Ford engines and parts have long been used in various motor sports and for five years they were a Formula One constructor through Jaguar Racing. Cosworth, a former subsidiary of Ford, has been one of Formula One's most successful engine manufacturers.
In the late 1980s the company acquired Aston Martin and Jaguar, before purchasing Volvo in 1999 and Land Rover in 2000. A recent decline in market share, however, has forced Ford to begin significantly downsizing. A new range of cars has also been announced as part of a plan to make more of the company's product line profitable.
EuroNCAP Safety Ratings for Ford cars
The European New Car Assessment Programme produces reports on the safety of vehicles based on the results of several crash tests. As well as measuring how the car will hold up in a crash the risk to a pedestrian struck by the car is assessed. The star ratings (maximum 5) of key Ford models are shown below.
The engine arrived today and is being fitted as i type this email - brillant service saved me over £300
Mr Mackay - Nothern Ireland
brilliant ..have ordered from first man calling at 0800
Brian - South East
A friend recommended i use you...within 3 mins and i had 4 quotes saved £65 excellent service
John - East London
Some yobs broke my door mirror, went onto 247 spares at 9am within 5 minutes i had a quote for £15 and delivery £5 part arrived next morning - fantastic service guys
