Henry Ford is credited with revolutionising how cars were made, perfecting the assembly line concept, and making cars affordable to the masses. He founded the Ford Motor Company when he was 39 years old in 1902. Ford is the second largest American motor company behind General Motors. The Ford Lincoln, a luxury brand, is one of the top brands in the USA.

In Zimbabwe, Duly’s has been the dealer for over 100 years, now part of the Croco group. During the colonial days, Ford vehicles were common in the then Rhodesia, due to the presence of Ford in South Africa.

Among the top brands over the years are the Ford Cortina, Sierra, Laser, Escort, Falcon, Fairmot, Mondeo, Ranger trucks, Everest, and recently the Fiesta, and Focus.

Ford has had shareholding and shared technology with Mazda, including engines.

Today, the most popular is arguably the Ford Ranger T6. The T6 at launch shook the double cab market, and the debate continues on which is better between the T6 and the Toyota Hilux.

The grey market does not have many Ford cars, although the Mondeo is making inroads from Europe and Asia.

As a brand, Ford has always been controversial, eliciting mixed feelings in terms of quality.

Ford has had a long presence in South Africa, first directly, and then through SAMCOR.