Ford Automotive Operations - Latin America (Brazil)
Ford entered the Latin American market in 1911 by first selling cars in Venezuela. Soon afterward, sales operations were launched in Argentina (1913) and Brazil (1919). Today, Ford products are manufactured, assembled and distributed through Ford dealer networks in each of the three countries. In addition, Ford dealers in other Latin American markets sell products imported from Ford manufacturing sources worldwide.
Brazil -- In 1919, Ford arrived in Brazil, the first vehicle manufacturer to start up operations in Brazil. Two years later, in 1921, a new series assembly line was inaugurated in Bom Retiro for the production of the Model T. In 1953, Ford inaugurated its plant at Ipiranga, also in Sao Paulo. This facility produced the first Brazilian-made truck, the F-600, and the F-1000 pickup truck. In 1967, Ford acquired Willys Overland do Brazil, significantly increasing its industrial plant and product lines.
The manufacturing complexes under Ford Brazil's umbrella are located in the state of Sao Paulo. The Taubat‚ plant supplies engines and transmissions to the Ford Fiesta and Ka, built in Sao Bernardo. The truck assembly plant at Ipiranga produces the Cargo and F-Series models as well as bus chassis. A proving ground is in Tatui.
The FIC electronics components division in Guarulhos produces car radios and engine computer modules and employs 3,600. A plastics operation and an Electronic Fuel Handling Division plant were added in 1996.
In 1994, Ford began importing the Ford Taurus, Explorer and Ranger from North America. Mondeo is imported from Belgium. A Brazilian-built Fiesta was launched in 1996 and the Ka and Courier pickup arrived in 1997.
Sales in 1996 exceeded 184,000, including 136,000 cars. Ford ranked fourth with a 10.7 percent market share, which has since risen to 13 percent.. The Ford dealer body numbers more than 400. More than 11,000 are employed by Ford of Brazil.
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