Ford UK is 100 – And counting
On 8th March 2011 it was Ford of Britain's 100th birthday and this year also sees Ford marking 100 years of vehicle manufacturing in the UK. As we recognise these centenary landmarks in the UK, Ford confirms its commitment to the country which has made it the market leader in car sales for 34 consecutive years and the commercial vehicle sales leader for 45.
Ford of Britain chairman, Joe Greenwell, said: "Ford of Britain has been in the fabric of the nation for over a hundred years. We have a proud heritage and a bright future. Ford of Britain is a major pillar of Ford's global strategy and the new Ford Focus, centrepiece of the centenary, features advanced powertrains developed and produced in the UK."
Heritage
Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and within months, had exported the first Ford cars to England. The UK quickly became the most important market for Ford cars, outside the United States.
By 1911, Henry had decided to start building cars in Britain. Ford Motor Company (England) Limited was incorporated in London on 8 March 1911 – the first Ford company to be established outside North America.
Motorsport and family values
The Dunton Technical Centre was born in 1966. That same year, Ford scored its famous 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans, with the iconic, Ferrari-beating GT40 race car - built by Ford of Britain in Slough and Ford engines powered the top five finishers in the Indianapolis 500.
Ford's unmatched motorsport heritage has benefitted greatly from British talent. Ford’s first ‘works’ rally efforts were based at Boreham in Essex and the UK has been intrinsically linked with top level Ford rally success.
Celebrations
Ford plans a year-long centenary celebration with themed marketing campaigns to flag up this special year. A Ford of Britain centenary logo has been created, which delivers its message as text on a keyless Ford Power starter button.
Historical displays will take place at various motoring events and a gala event will take place during 2011. Ford-related events are being held around the country including the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hampshire and the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire. This year's Goodwood Revival, the country's premier historic motoring event, will see a significant number of classic Ford cars take to the circuit, in September.
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Ford of Britain chairman, Joe Greenwell, said: "Ford of Britain has been in the fabric of the nation for over a hundred years. We have a proud heritage and a bright future. Ford of Britain is a major pillar of Ford's global strategy and the new Ford Focus, centrepiece of the centenary, features advanced powertrains developed and produced in the UK."
Heritage
Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and within months, had exported the first Ford cars to England. The UK quickly became the most important market for Ford cars, outside the United States.
By 1911, Henry had decided to start building cars in Britain. Ford Motor Company (England) Limited was incorporated in London on 8 March 1911 – the first Ford company to be established outside North America.
Motorsport and family values
The Dunton Technical Centre was born in 1966. That same year, Ford scored its famous 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans, with the iconic, Ferrari-beating GT40 race car - built by Ford of Britain in Slough and Ford engines powered the top five finishers in the Indianapolis 500.
Ford's unmatched motorsport heritage has benefitted greatly from British talent. Ford’s first ‘works’ rally efforts were based at Boreham in Essex and the UK has been intrinsically linked with top level Ford rally success.
Celebrations
Ford plans a year-long centenary celebration with themed marketing campaigns to flag up this special year. A Ford of Britain centenary logo has been created, which delivers its message as text on a keyless Ford Power starter button.
Historical displays will take place at various motoring events and a gala event will take place during 2011. Ford-related events are being held around the country including the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hampshire and the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire. This year's Goodwood Revival, the country's premier historic motoring event, will see a significant number of classic Ford cars take to the circuit, in September.
Find out more about Ford Fleet
Return to overview page