An exploration of the rich history of the well-known automotive company, Ford

Ford Motor Company is world-renowned for rich history spanning over 100 years and a consistent success rate with popular models. The brand Ford has become an integral part of the motoring industry.

The Ford brand was set up on $28,000 with 12 separate investors, including Horace and John Dodge who later created their own eponymous brand. This year saw the creation of the first Ford vehicle yet - the Ford Model A.

Consequently, the company grew and grew to the motoring behemoth it has become today, though it did not escape all negative aspects that could cause problems for the company. Listed below are five key points in the timelines of the history of Ford Motor Company:

1896-1903: In 1896, the Ford Quadracycle is created as Henry Ford's first vehicle, on the frame of a buggy and supported by 4 bicycle wheels. In 1898, Ford creates the Detroit Automobile Company, but this was terminated and dissolved within the next two and a half years. 1901 - Ford wins a high-profile race and the Henry Ford Company is later created, but is later discontinued the following year. Consequently, in 1903, Ford Motor Company is created fully.

1906-1919: By 1906, Ford Motor Company becomes the best-selling make for the US, with a healthy production amount of 8,700 vehicles. In the next three years, Ford Motor Company (England), or Ford Britain, is formed to effectively target the UK market. Two years later, in 1911, a Manchester Ford factory is opened to provide for UK demand. Edsel Ford takes presidency of Ford in 1919.

1929-1945: In 1929, the annual production of Ford cars peaks at a total of 1.5 million, taking the crown as leaders of the market, overtaking the success of rival, Chevy. Later, in 1941, Ford design a general purpose jeep specially designed for military use and the trademark pressed metal grille that Ford designed is still used today. Two years later in 1943, Edsel Ford dies of cancer, with father Henry taking the role as president once again, until 1945, when his grandson and son of Edsel, Henry Ford II takes over.

1947-1989: Following the death of his grandfather, Henry Ford, in 1947, Henry Ford II takes over as chairman. 10 years later, Ford commemorates a past president with a new brand of automobiles - the Edsel, and sees a major increase of vehicle production to 1.68 million. US Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, in 1960, becomes President of Ford. Seven years later, the firm established Ford of Europe to help corner more markets. Ford acquires 25% in Mazda in 1977, followed by acquiring Aston Martin Lagonda and Hertz Rent-a-Car in 1987. The company also acquire Jaguar in 1989.

1999-2010: Great grandson of Henry Ford, Bill Ford becomes chairman of the Board and acquires Volvo car division in 1999. In the next year, Land Rover is purchased by Ford from BMW. Closing unprofitable factories in 2006, Ford begins a restructuring program and Alan Mulally also becomes President and CEO of Ford. In 2007, Ford report significant losses but remain optimistic and in the next two years sell Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. Even with this, leasing a Ford Kuga is a markedly popular choice on the leasing market.

Thanks to this recent restructuring program and a continuing brand confidence, it is likely that the firm can regain its position as leaders in the market; but whatever the future has in store for them, it is easy to see that this is a brand that has truly left its mark in history.