A Brief History of Ford

Ford's origins date back to 1903 when Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. The company revolutionised the automotive industry with the introduction of the moving assembly line in 1913, making car ownership affordable for everyday families through the iconic Model T. Ford quickly grew into one of the world's largest and most influential car manufacturers, a position it has held for over a century.

Ford's reputation for engineering innovation and motorsport success has defined the brand for decades — from the GT40's legendary Le Mans victories in the 1960s to the development of the EcoBoost turbocharged engine family and today's efficient mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The brand continues to push boundaries with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, the best-selling Puma crossover and the ever-popular Kuga SUV, while Ford Performance keeps the sporting spirit alive through models like the Puma ST and the iconic Mustang.

Why Choose Ford for Your Next Lease?

Ford represents outstanding value, proven reliability and genuine driving enjoyment, combining over a century of engineering expertise with modern technology, efficient powertrains and a model range designed to suit every lifestyle. By choosing a vehicle from our Ford lease range, drivers benefit from flexible powertrain options, class-leading practicality and a rewarding driving experience built around everyday usability.

Models such as the Ford Puma deliver best-in-class handling and clever interior storage with efficient EcoBoost mild hybrid power, while the family-friendly Ford Kuga offers plug-in hybrid capability with low running costs and generous space. The all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E brings sporting SUV performance with up to 372 miles of electric range, and the iconic Ford Mustang delivers pure driving thrills with legendary V8 power.

Every Ford is engineered with practicality and innovation at its core, from the efficient EcoBoost and mHEV mild hybrid engine families to Ford's SYNC infotainment system and comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. This makes Ford an enduringly popular choice for both private drivers seeking affordable quality and businesses looking for a cost-effective, efficient fleet solution.

Fun Facts About Ford

🏭 Ford invented the modern assembly line Henry Ford introduced the moving assembly line in 1913 at the Highland Park plant in Michigan, reducing the Model T's build time from over 12 hours to just 93 minutes. It transformed manufacturing forever and made car ownership accessible to ordinary families.

🏁 The GT40 humbled Ferrari at Le Mans After being snubbed in a takeover bid for Ferrari, Henry Ford II launched a racing programme that saw the Ford GT40 win the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969 — one of motorsport's greatest rivalries.

🐎 The Mustang started a whole car category When the Ford Mustang launched in 1964, it was so popular that it created an entirely new class of car — the "pony car." Ford sold over one million Mustangs in the first 18 months alone.

🌍 Ford sells vehicles in over 100 countries From its Dearborn headquarters, Ford has grown into a truly global manufacturer with operations and customers spanning six continents, making it one of the most widely recognised automotive brands on the planet.

⚡ The Mustang Mach-E can travel up to 372 miles on a single charge Ford's all-electric Mustang Mach-E offers an Extended Range battery option with up to 372 miles of WLTP range, proving that electric driving doesn't mean compromising on distance or performance.

🏆 The Ford Puma became the UK's best-selling car Despite launching during the Covid pandemic in 2020, the Ford Puma quickly rose to become the UK's number one selling car in 2023, thanks to its sharp handling, clever MegaBox boot storage and efficient EcoBoost mild hybrid engines.

🔧 EcoBoost changed how we think about small engines Ford's EcoBoost technology proved that downsized turbocharged engines could deliver the power of larger units with significantly better fuel economy. The multi-award-winning 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost won International Engine of the Year six times in a row.

🚗 The Ford Focus has been one of Britain's favourite cars since 1998 Replacing the legendary Escort, the Focus quickly became one of the UK's top-selling cars and has remained a staple of British roads for over 25 years, praised for its sharp handling and everyday versatility.

🏎️ Ford Performance keeps the sporting spirit alive From the Puma ST to the Mustang and the Mustang Mach-E GT with 487PS, Ford Performance engineers models that deliver genuine thrills — the Mach-E GT hits 62mph in just 4.1 seconds.

💧 The Puma's MegaBox is one of the cleverest boot features in any car The Ford Puma's underfloor MegaBox storage compartment is waterproof, has a drain plug at the bottom and can hold muddy boots, wet gear or even be used to wash down sports equipment — a simple idea no rival has matched.

The Future of Ford

Ford's future is built around electrification, advanced hybrid technology and a bold commitment to making modern mobility accessible to everyone. As one of the world's most established and forward-thinking manufacturers, Ford continues to invest in dedicated EV platforms, efficient EcoBoost and mild hybrid powertrains, and next-generation plug-in hybrid technology designed to give drivers more choice on the road to zero emissions.

New and updated models — including the facelifted Ford Puma with its refined EcoBoost mild hybrid engines and redesigned interior, the plug-in hybrid Ford Kuga offering low-emission family motoring, and the all-electric Mustang Mach-E with up to 372 miles of range and available GT performance — highlight the brand's direction toward longer electric capability, smarter hybrid systems and increasingly connected in-car technology. These vehicles combine engaging driving dynamics with Ford's SYNC infotainment, comprehensive driver assistance systems and practical, family-friendly design.

Alongside evolving its hybrid and combustion range, Ford is accelerating its electric future with upcoming models including the all-electric Puma Gen-E and continued investment in its commercial EV lineup. Ford's commitment to affordable innovation, connected services and efficient powertrains is ensuring the brand remains a major force in the future of motoring for both personal and business customers.

You can explore the latest personal and business offers across the full range through our Ford car lease deals, providing a simple, flexible and cost-controlled way to experience the next generation of Ford performance and efficiency.

The result is a rapidly evolving lineup that is cleaner, smarter and more versatile than ever — ensuring Ford remains at the forefront of accessible, innovative motoring for years to come.

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