Introduction
Yes, Ford did own Mazda at one point in time. The two companies had a long-standing relationship and collaboration. However, Ford’s ownership of Mazda has changed over the years. Let’s explore the details.
Ford’s Ownership of Mazda
In 1979, Ford acquired a 25% stake in Mazda to form a partnership. This partnership allowed the two companies to share manufacturing facilities, vehicle platforms, and other resources. In 1996, due to Mazda’s economic struggles, Ford increased its stake in the company and took a controlling interest to help Mazda avoid bankruptcy. During this period, Ford changed Mazda’s name to Auto-Alliance International, but Mazda continued to be recognized as the brand name.
Collaboration and Shared Technologies
The collaboration between Ford and Mazda involved the sharing of technologies and the production of vehicles that incorporated each other’s technologies. For example, models like the Ford Focus, Escort, Explorer, and Volvo S40 carried Mazda technologies. Similarly, Mazda retrimmed the Ford Ranger and Escape to sell them as the Mazda B-Series and Tribute. Additionally, Mazda built its MX-6 and the sibling Ford Probe at its plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, which now belongs to Ford.
Changes in Ownership
Over time, Ford gradually reduced its ownership stake in Mazda. By 2014, Ford’s investment in Mazda had decreased to just 2.1%. Finally, at the end of the third quarter in 2015, Ford fully divested its interest in Mazda. Currently, Mazda is a wholly owned Japanese company, with various Japanese stakeholders.
Conclusion
In summary, Ford did own Mazda for a significant period of time, starting with a 25% stake in 1979 and eventually taking a controlling interest in 1996. During their partnership, the two companies collaborated on various projects and shared technologies. However, Ford gradually reduced its ownership stake in Mazda, and by 2015, Ford had fully divested its interest. Mazda is now a wholly owned Japanese company.
Contents
Why does my Mazda have a Ford engine?
Mazda makes its own engines. During the period when Ford owned a minority share of Mazda, there was technology sharing and Mazda V6 engines are based on Ford Duratec engines though manufactured by Mazda.
When did Ford get rid of Mazda?
On September 30, 2015, when Ford’s shares had sunk to a little over 2% due to stock dilution, Ford sold its remaining shares in Mazda.
What car companies did Ford own?
Ford now encompasses two brands: Ford and Lincoln. Ford once owned 5 other luxury brands: Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Aston Martin, and Mercury. Over time, those brands were sold to other companies and Mercury was discontinued.
Do Mazda use Ford engines?
Mazda has created three families of in-house V6 engines. As of 2000, they build and use the Ford Duratec V6 design.
Was Mazda owned by Ford?
But the Mazda Motor Corporation near Hiroshima, Japan, is the manufacturer who makes Mazda. At one time, Ford owned part of the company, buying a stake in it in 1979 and eventually owning a controlling share by 1995. However, Ford had sold all of its shares in Mazda by 2015 as a way of streamlining its assets.
Does Ford still use Mazda parts?
Ford and Mazda had a close partnership from 1974 to 2015 – peaking with Ford owning one-third of Mazda in 2005. Since 2008, Ford sold off their stake and the partnerships dissolved. If new Fords use Mazda parts, or vice-versa, it’s news to me. This was, perhaps, market driven.
Did Mazda and Ford work together?
The partnership between Ford and Mazda was strongest in the 1980s and 1990s, where most badge-engineered models were produced. However, disagreements about direction and a significant recession led Ford to begin selling off its interest in Mazda during the 21st century.
Why did Ford sell Mazda?
Once The Great Recession struck, Ford gradually began selling off its Mazda shares, and by 2014 Ford’s investment was just 2.1%. At the end of Q3 in 2015, Ford fully divested its interest. Although automaker affiliation is typically the way forward in the modern automotive industry, Mazda generally goes it alone.
What brands do Ford own?
Ford Motor Company: Ford, Lincoln, Troller. General Motors: Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet, Holden. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance: Renault, Nissan, Infiniti, Dacia, Datsun, Samsung Renault, Lada, Mitsubishi.
Why did Mazda leave Ford?
Because due to the impact of the 2007–08 global economic crisis meant both car manufacturers were affected by it just as Japan and the U.S., and as a result Ford sold its shares in Mazda until the latter went solo to be honest.
