Ford Motor Co. at English => English (The Britannica Concise) Of Explained:
U.S. automotive corporation. Founded in Detroit in 1903 by H. Ford and a group of investors, the company introduced the hugely successful Model T in 1908 and by 1923 was producing more than half of all U.S. automotive vehicles. Through the Lincoln Motor Co. (acquired in 1922), Ford produced luxury Lincolns and Continentals. After years of declining sales, the Model T was succeeded by the Model A in 1927; other companies such as General Motors took the opportunity to make serious inroads into Ford's dominance. The company was reincorporated in 1919, with Ford and his family acquiring full ownership. Henry's son Edsel served as president 1919-43, and Henry's grandson Henry Ford II led the company 1945-79, reviving its fortunes considerably. Its stock was first publicly traded in 1956. Ford acquired the British Jaguar firm in 1989-90. The company continues to manufacture passenger cars, trucks, and tractors as well as parts and accessories.