Ford SWOT Analysis

by
Listen to this article

About Ford Motor Company 

Ford

Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, a Detroit suburb. Henry Ford formed it and incorporated it on June 16, 1903.

The Ford brand offers autos and commercial vehicles, whereas the Lincoln brand sells most luxury vehicles. Ford also owns Troller, a Brazilian SUV maker, Aston Martin of the United Kingdom, and Jiangling Motors of China. It has collaborative businesses in China, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Russia, among other places.

Ford devised methods for large-scale automobile manufacture and large-scale industrial workforce management employing highly structured manufacturing sequences characterized by moving assembly lines; by 1914, these approaches were recognized across the world as Fordism.

Jaguar and Land Rover, which Ford bought in 1989 and 2000, respectively, were sold to Tata Motors in March 2008. Ford dropped the Mercury brand, under which it had sold entry-level luxury vehicles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in 2011.

Strengths:

1. Highly Recognized Brand: It is one of the most recognized brands in the world and has a long history of producing quality vehicles. This has allowed Ford to cultivate a loyal customer base who trust the brand and its vehicles.

2. Financial Strength: It has a strong financial position, with strong cash reserves and a high credit rating. This makes it an attractive partner for potential investors and suppliers.

3. Innovative Technology: It has invested heavily in innovative technology such as self–driving cars, electric vehicles, and advanced driver–assistance systems. This has allowed them to stay ahead of the competition and remain a leader in the automotive industry.

4. Extensive Dealer Network: It has an extensive network of dealerships in the US and around the world, allowing customers to easily purchase and service their vehicles.

5. Diversified Portfolio: It has diversified its portfolio to include cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and commercial vehicles. This has allowed them to cater to different customer needs and gain market share in multiple segments.

Weaknesses:

1. Unreliable Models: Many of the older models of Ford vehicles have been known to be unreliable and have had a number of mechanical issues. This has led to a decrease in consumer confidence in the brand.

2. Expensive Repairs: This company’s cars are often expensive to repair due to the need for specialized parts and the complexity of the engines. This can lead to a significant financial burden for owners.

3. Poor Fuel Economy: Its vehicles tend to have poor fuel economy, leading to higher running costs for owners.

4. Lack of Innovation: It has been slow to innovate and many of its vehicles lack the latest technology and features. This makes them less attractive to modern consumers.

Opportunities:

1. Internships – It offers internships to college students and recent graduates in a variety of fields, such as engineering, finance, human resources, IT, marketing, and more.

2. Careers – It offers a wide range of career opportunities, including full–time and part–time positions in manufacturing, sales, engineering, and more.

3. Ford Merchandising – It offers a range of merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles, that can be purchased online or in Ford dealerships.

4. Ford Racing – It provides opportunities for individuals to participate in a variety of motorsports events, including drag racing, rally racing, and more.

5. Ford Car Clubs – It sponsors car clubs that allow enthusiasts to network and shares their passion for Ford vehicles.

Threats:

Ford faces a range of threats, including competition from other automakers, economic downturns, and changing consumer preferences. The company also faces the threat of regulatory changes, such as tougher emissions standards or fuel economy standards, that could impact its product lineup and profitability.

Additionally, Ford could see its profits squeezed by rising costs of raw materials, labor, and technology investments. The company also faces the risk of potential cyber-attacks and the threat of new entrants into the automotive industry.

Ford Competitors

Ford Motor Company competes with several major automakers, including

  1. General Motors
  2. Toyota
  3. Honda
  4. Volkswagen
  5. Nissan
  6. Hyundai
  7. Kia 
  8. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles