Henry Ford was an individual of extraordinary ability. In 1886, he created his first rudimentary automobile, a vehicle that ran on four bicycle wheels and operated with an engine that lacked a reverse function. Despite its imperfections, it was a significant beginning. By 1903, Ford was prepared to establish the Ford Motor Company, a decision that would forever alter history.
It All Started With The Model T
Over a century after its debut, the Model T is still remembered as America's first beloved car. Ford's ambition was to manufacture an affordable automobile for Americans, offering more than just basic comfort. The result was one of the best-selling automobiles in American history and the first to demonstrate that the automobile was here to stay.
Ford didn't just play a major role in early automobile history. In 1914, the company doubled its factory workers' wages to $5 a day. While workers' rights progressed slowly, Ford was a company that at least listened to its workers and aimed to keep them satisfied. By 1917, the company introduced its first pickup truck, the Model TT. Although it might not resemble today's trucks, it was well-loved by the people of its time.
Ford remained active in the post-WWII era. In 1948, they launched another truck, the immensely popular F-series line of pickups. These trucks continue to be top sellers each year. In the 1960s, Ford gained fame for the stylish Mustang, a model that continues to set standards today. Since then, the brand has pioneered numerous innovations, including the turbocharged EcoBoost engine (2009), the Smart Mobility platform (2016), and the all-electric Mustang Mach-E (2019). Without Ford and other visionary automakers, how far could America have progressed? This transformative impact on modern transportation enabled so many people worldwide to achieve greater mobility.
Learn More About Ford's History
Ford is a company that has shaped the country in countless ways. Contact us online to learn more about Ford's rich history.