The Ford Motor Company is one of those great American companies that we can count as a part of our heritage. It stands for so much that is true to our country; innovation, endurance, and family. There has always been Ford family members involved in the running and management of the company. Whether as CEO, in executive positions, or just on the board of the company, Ford Motor Company is a family company, which is a rarity nowadays. Elena Ford, the great, great granddaughter of Henry Ford, is the latest person in the family to rise to an executive position.
The Ford Family Legacy
The Ford family legacy began with Henry Ford. The creator of Ford Motor Company, he started out working as an engineer for Edison. As the 20th century dawned, he had created his own company producing automobiles, and debuted the Model T. Henry Ford may not have created the automobile, but he did revolutionize the industry. Back when owning a car was only for the wealthiest and hardly anyone knew how to drive one, he made the Model T easy to drive and cheap enough for most middle class families to afford one. It was also the beginning of the car culture that is so prominent in the US today.
The Model T
The reason that the Model T could be sold more affordably was because of Henry Ford’s innovations in production. Instead of hand crafting each part, Ford created an assembly line production, which allowed the car to be made faster and cheaper. He basically invented how cars are still made today. The Model T was the first mass produced car, and the first to prominently feature a steering wheel on the left.
Ford doesn’t make the Model T anymore, and nowadays is known more for their trucks than anything. Even used Ford trucks are highly popular and are in high demand. But, that's no surprise considering Ford is the second largest U.S. based auto manufacturer, and the fifth largest auto manufacturer in the world.
It has been about twenty years since the last Ford was elected to a senior executive position, and Elena is the first female Ford to hold an executive position in the family company. She previously held the position of Global Marketing Director, and as a senior executive will be responsible for improving global dealer standards. Her promotion will also raise the number of executives in the company to 38. Other Ford family members currently working at the top of the company are Edsel Ford II and Executive Chairman Bill Ford.
Jillian Johnson is a professional content marketing writer and blogger with a particular interest in writing about autos. To read more writing by Jillian, follow her @MissWritey.
