An exploration of the rich history of famous automotive company, Ford, by Centra

l Contracts
With over 100 years in operation, Ford is renowned for its rich history and an a
rray of successes and trademark vehicles. Ford has become an integral part of th
e motoring and leasing industry, according to CentralContracts.com.
The brand was created with a cash injection of $28,000 from 12 investors, two of
which were the Dodge brothers, John and Horace, who later created their eponymo
us brand. In this year, Ford also created their first vehicle - the 'Fordmobile'
(Model A).
Following this, the company grew and grew to the motoring behemoth it has become
today, though this is not to say that it has not any negative aspects to its hi
story. Below are the five important periods of the timeline of the history of Fo
rd Motor Company:
1896-1903: In 1896, Henry Ford constructs his first ever vehicle, the Ford Quadr
acycle, which was placed on a buggy frame with 4 bicycle wheels. To capitalise o
n this, he then creates the Detroit Automobile Company in 1898, but this was ter
minated and dissolved within the next two and a half years. Ford also wins a hig
h-profile race in 1901 and afterwards the Henry Ford Company is assembled but la
ter discontinued the following year. Ford Motor Company is consequently created
in 1903.
1906-1919: By 1906, Ford Motor Company becomes the best-selling make for the US,
with a healthy production amount of 8,700 vehicles. In 1909, Ford Motor Company
England, or Ford Britain, is created to take advantage of an untapped UK market
. Two years following this, in 1911, to cater to UK demand, Ford open a factory
in the Manchester region to speed up sales and ease production. In 1919, son of
Henry Ford, Ensel, takes over as president of the firm.
1929-1945: In 1929, Ford reaches an annual production peak of 1.5 million, domin
ating the automotive market, confidently knocking Chevy off the top spot. In 194
1, the company begins to create a general purpose jeep for military usage and th
e pressed metal grille that has become a trademark for the company is still used
on models today. In 1943, Edsel Ford dies of cancer, after which his father, He
nry, resumes his position as president, for the following two years, until his g
randson Henry Ford II takes over in 1945.
1947-1989: Following the death of his grandfather, Henry Ford, in 1947, Henry Fo
rd II takes over as chairman. A decade later, Ford launched the Edsel brand of a
utomobiles and sees a major increase of vehicle production to 1.68 million. Robe
rt McNamara, US Secretary of Defense, is appointed as President of Ford in 1960.
To dominate further automotive markets, Ford of Europe is set up in 1967. In 19
77, Ford take 25% in Mazda, as well as Hertz Rent-a-Car and Aston Martin Lagonda
in 1987. In 1989, Ford also acquire Jaguar.
1999-2010: Ford acquire Volvo car division as Bill Ford, son of Henry Ford, beco
mes Chairman of the Board in 1999. In 2000, BMW sell Land Rover to Ford. Six yea
rs following, Ford begin a restructuring program, closing unprofitable factories
- Ford vehicles also begin to populate the car leasing market, with firms such
as Central Contracts. Ford sell Aston Martin, Land Rover and Jaguar over the nex
t three years to reduce significant company losses. In spite of this, Ford, acco
rding to reports from Central Contracts, has become one of the most popular cust
omer options for the vehicular market today.
If this restructuring program is handled competently, the firm is likely to rega
in market leadership and profit fully; however, whatever happens, it is clear th
at this is one of the most important vehicle brands that has gained a rightful p
lace in vehicular history.