Many people know Ford as one of the world's leading car manufacturers. However, not many are aware of the other car brands that the company has owned and operated over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at the former make of Ford and its history.
Mercury: The Luxurious Brand
One of the most well-known car brands that Ford used to own is Mercury. The brand was established in 1938 and was known for producing luxurious vehicles that were more affordable than their counterparts from other luxury brands. During its peak, Mercury produced some of the most iconic cars of the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Mercury Eight and the Mercury Cougar.
However, as the competition in the automotive industry grew fiercer, Mercury began to lose its appeal. In 2011, Ford announced that it would be discontinuing the Mercury brand due to declining sales. Today, Mercury remains a beloved brand among car enthusiasts, with many of its classic cars still being highly sought after.
Edsel: The Failed Experiment
Another former make of Ford that is often remembered for all the wrong reasons is Edsel. The brand was launched in 1957, with the aim of filling the gap between Ford and Mercury. However, Edsel was a commercial failure from the start, and the brand was plagued with problems such as poor quality control and a lack of consumer interest.
Despite Ford's best efforts to save the brand, including a major redesign and a hefty marketing campaign, Edsel continued to struggle. In 1960, after just three years of production, Ford made the decision to discontinue the brand. Today, Edsel is remembered as one of the biggest automotive failures in history.
Visteon: The Spin-Off
While not a car brand per se, Visteon was a significant part of Ford's history. The company was established in 2000 as a spin-off of Ford's parts division. Visteon was responsible for producing a wide range of automotive components, including climate control systems, audio systems, and electronics.
At its peak, Visteon had operations in over 20 countries and employed more than 70,000 people. However, in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, Visteon struggled financially, and in 2010, the company filed for bankruptcy. Today, Visteon continues to operate as an independent company, focusing on the development of advanced automotive technologies.
Conclusion
While Ford may be best known for its eponymous brand, the company's history is full of other car brands that have come and gone over the years. From the luxurious Mercury to the ill-fated Edsel, these brands each had their own unique stories to tell. Today, as Ford continues to innovate and evolve with the times, it is worth looking back at the former make of Ford and the role they played in shaping the automotive industry.
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