Born just one mile apart, Ford and Carhartt didn’t just grow up in the same city; the companies grew up on the same job sites. For over a century, the North American worker has woken up, put on their Carhartt, and climbed into their Ford. One provides the workwear and the other provides the muscle. Together, it’s the unofficial uniform of the Essential Economy.

For more than 100 years, Carhartt has produced apparel for Ford factory workers, dating back to the 1920s with workwear programs through the 1970s.

After a century of working together on jobsites, Ford and Carhartt made it official during a press conference on Tuesday at the Detroit Auto Show. Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company CEO, and Linda Hubbard, Carhartt CEO, announced a multi-year strategic partnership designed to create long-term impact in three critical areas for the Essential Economy: workforce development, community building and durable products that help strengthen and support the skilled trades.

Products include new co-branded merchandise and a Super Duty Carhartt truck that will be available later this year.

“Hamilton Carhartt founded our company on a simple principle: listen to hardworking people and build products that help them do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Hubbard. “For 136 years, we’ve stood with the skilled trades by making durable gear they can rely on. That commitment has since grown to include support for programs that provide people with the skills and training needed for meaningful careers in the trades. We’re excited that our partnership with Ford will help us advance this important work.”

Gear, Training and Tools for the Next Generation of Auto Technicians

The next generation of auto technicians is on the radar of both companies as Ford aims to provide fast-track training programs by partnering with high schools and community colleges in the U.S. to keep the pipeline strong. This includes Ford Philanthropy and Ford dealers' partnership with TechForce Foundation to support Ford Auto Tech Scholars with training and funding to cover technician tools, credentialing fees, and transportation needs. Now, Carhartt is extending their commitment to outfit the next cohort of Ford Auto Tech Scholars in custom Carhartt gear.

In Canada, Ford’s Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program empowers students to discover exciting careers as automotive technicians. Through partnerships with schools and Ford/Lincoln dealerships, ACE provides access to Ford’s online training modules, hands-on learning opportunities, and a clear pathway to advanced programs like ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training).

The Ford ASSET Program combines classroom study with paid, co-op dealership experience: students alternate every 6–8 weeks between academic instruction and dealership work, culminating in an associate’s degree and up to one year of relevant industry experience. Ford-certified instructors deliver approved technical training, and Ford dealerships sponsor and employ students through structured programs—ensuring real-world exposure and competency development.

ASSET students graduate prepared to earn Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications—and Ford-specific credentials—positioning them to quickly transition into technician roles with Ford and Lincoln dealerships. The “earn-while-you-learn” approach makes ASSET both financially accessible and career-responsive, giving students a lower-cost, faster route to technician leadership roles.

Super Duty Carhartt Truck

The partnership between the two companies will also include new merchandise and Ford trucks, starting with a 2027 Super Duty Carhartt truck, coming later this year. This collaboration explores the intersection of heritage workwear and automotive craftsmanship, uncovering shared values of durability, innovation, and local pride.

The inspiration for many of the details of the vehicle came after Ford designers visited the Carhartt store in downtown Detroit last year, gaining insights into the different textures, colors and functionality of Carhartt products including wheels inspired by the Detroit manhole covers outside their store.

"Carhartt's DNA is all about hardworking people, doing incredible things with their rugged apparel, which is as necessary as the tools they use — just like our trucks serve builders as tools for their trade," explained Tyler Hill, senior manager, Ford Global Licensing.

The 2027 Super Duty Carhartt truck will be available later this year. More details, including the truck, will be revealed in the coming months.

Elizabeth Kraft is a senior communications manager at Ford Pro.