12 months of celebrations planned as Ford commemorates a century of success in the UK
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Ahead of its 100th anniversary on March 8, Ford UK is preparing related events around the country as part of its year-long centenary celebration.
Themed marketing campaigns, historical displays and various motoring events will take place at locations around England, including the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hampshire and the Heritage Centre at Gayon, Warwickshire. A special tribute will also be held at this year's Goodwood Revival in September with a number of classic Fords set to compete.
Ford's operations in the UK began in 1911 just three years after Henry Ford's 'Universal Car', the Model T, was unveiled in Britain. Ford Motor Company (England) Limited incorporated formed to become what was then the most important market outside North America.
That same year, a disused tram works in the Manchester suburb of Trafford Park was converted to become Ford's first UK assembly plant (pictured). Four-man teams built individual vehicles here until Henry Ford's revolutionary introduction of the moving assembly line in 1913.
By 1914 Ford sales of nearly 10,000 cars annually were equal to the output of the next six biggest British manufacturers combined.
Ford's start in Britain grew from humble beginnings. In 1903 two Ford A Models were shipped to England initiating a modest trade. By 1905 the Ford Model B had taken to London's roads, forming part of the earliest fleet of motor taxi cabs.
Three years later, the Model T debuted at the Olympia Motor Exhibition, the exhibition so popular it convinced Ford that a British division of his company was required.
Today, Ford has grown to become the UK's new car market leader, a position it has held for 34 consecutive years. Ford directly employs over 15,000 people in the UK, and has engine plants in Bridgend, South Wales and Dagenham, East London. Combined, the pair has the capacity to produce two million engines annually.
"Ford of Britain has been in the fabric of the nation for over a hundred years and no motor company has touched more lives in Britain," commented Ford of Britain chairman, Joe Greenwell.
"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."
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