Ford Motor Company: A Century of Innovation and Restructuring Founded in 1903 with $28,000 from twelve investors, the Ford Motor Company, under Henry Ford's leadership, revolutionized automobile manufacturing. Early production was modest, but Ford's pioneering implementation of the moving assembly line in 1913 dramatically increased efficiency and affordability, leading to the mass production of the iconic Model T. The company's innovations continued with the Model A, featuring safety glass, and the introduction of the first low-priced V8 engine. Acquisitions of Lincoln, and later Jaguar and Aston Martin, broadened Ford's market reach. International expansion included establishing the Gorky Automobile Plant in the Soviet Union. World War II saw Ford's involvement in military production, including the B-24 Liberator bomber, although this also involved the controversial use of forced labor in some German operations. Post-war, Ford invested in research and development, leading to breakthroughs in superconductivity. The company also introduced significant safety features like seatbelts and childproof locks. The launch of the Mustang in 1964 solidified its place in automotive history. However, the latter half of the 20th century and early 21st century presented challenges, including economic downturns, rising healthcare costs, and increased competition. Responding to these pressures, Ford underwent extensive restructuring, including factory closures, job cuts ("The Way Forward" plan), and a shift towards more fuel-efficient vehicles and hybrid technology. The company navigated the 2008 financial crisis, avoiding bankruptcy, through strategic partnerships, debt restructuring, and government support for the wider automotive industry. In recent years, Ford has focused on electric vehicle development (Ford Model E), while also facing further restructuring and job cuts in Europe and elsewhere as it adapts to the evolving automotive landscape and invests heavily in electric technology, aiming for profitability in this sector by 2026. The introduction of driver assistance technology like BlueCruise, while innovative, has also highlighted ongoing safety concerns.