A Short Exploration The Story Of The Popular American Car Manufacturer, Ford

Founded by Henry Ford and 11 investors in June 1903, with a cash injection of $28,000, most notably Horace and John Dodge, who later went on to create the hugely-successful US brand, Dodge. The first Ford vehicle was also created in this year - the Ford Model A.

Following this, the company expanded rapidly, becoming the automotive giant that it is today, however, it has not been without negative aspects causing setbacks and problems for the company. Following are the five key points of the timeline of the Ford Motor Company:

1896-1903: 1896 - Henry Ford, at age 33, creates his first ever vehicle - the Ford Quadracycle - which was a relatively basic design of a buggy frame with 4 bicycle wheels. 1898 - he creates the Detroit Automobile Company, however this was liquidated in the next two years. Ford also wins a high-profile race in 1901 and following this the Henry Ford Company is incorporated but later discontinued the following year. Consequently, in 1903, Ford Motor Company is created fully.

1906-1919: Ford Motor Cars becomes the best-selling brand for US, with 8,700 cars by 1906. Three years later, Ford Motor Company England, also known as Ford Britain, is created and aims to target the UK market. After two years, Ford also open a Manchester factory to help ease the production process, also speeding up sales. Eight years later, in 1919, Edsel Ford takes over the position of president from his father, Henry.

1929-1945: In 1929, Ford reaches an annual production peak of 1.5 million, dominating the automotive market, efficiently overtaking Chevy. Designed for military use, Ford design a general purpose jeep in 1941 and the design of the grille placed on the front of the vehicle is still used today. Edsel Ford dies of cancer in 1943, after which his father, Henry, resumes his position as president, until 1945, when Henry Ford II takes over.

1947-1989: Following the death of his grandfather, Henry Ford, in 1947, Henry Ford II takes over as chairman. In 1957, Ford launches an Edsel brand of automobiles, sees a major increase of vehicle production to 1.68 million. Three years following, Robert McNamara, the newly-appointed US Secretary of Defense becomes the President of Ford. To further market prominence, Ford also set up Ford of Europe in 1967. In 1977, Ford take 25% in Mazda, as well as Hertz Rent-a-Car and Aston Martin Lagonda in 1987. The company also acquire Jaguar in 1989.

1999-2010: 1999 - Ford acquire Volvo car division from Volvo as Bill Ford, great grandson of Henry Ford, becomes Chairman of the Board. In 2000, BMW sell Land Rover to Ford. Six years following, Ford begin a restructuring program, closing unprofitable factories - Alan Mulally also becomes CEO and President. In 2007, Ford report company losses and sell Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. However, despite this, leasing a Ford Kuga is one of the most popular choices for the commercial leasing market.

With the recent restructuring program and a continued brand trust, the firm is likely to regain market leadership and profit fully; although, regardless of what happens, it is undeniable that this is an important vehicle brand that will resound in automotive history.