This week, on Sunday, we mark an incredible milestone: 115 years since Ford Motor Company (England) Limited was incorporated. It’s a moment of immense pride, reflecting on a journey that has woven Ford into the very fabric of British life.
From our beginnings assembling the revolutionary Model T in a Trafford Park factory, we brought Henry Ford’s vision of mass production to these shores, forever changing the automotive landscape.
The ambition was staggering, culminating in the construction of our Dagenham plant on reclaimed marshland – a magnificent gesture of faith in Britain's future.
This pioneering spirit gave birth to the names that have defined generations: Anglia, Cortina, Escort, Fiesta, and of course, the indomitable Transit, which became the very backbone of British business.
These aren't just vehicles; they're part of our collective memory, markers of family holidays, first jobs, and the daily rhythm of life across the country.
We built Britain’s first £100 family saloon, created performance icons that captured the public’s imagination, and provided stable employment for hundreds of thousands over the decades.
As I look back, I’m struck not just by our heritage, but by our constant drive to innovate.
Our story is one of resilience, innovation, and partnership with the British people. For 115 years, our incredible employees, dedicated dealers, and loyal customers have been at the heart of our success.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re not just looking back with pride; we’re accelerating into the future. Here’s to the next chapter.
Poppy McKenzie Smith is the corporate and brand communications lead at Ford of Britain
