Ford Philippines marks 25 years of operations

Ford Philippines celebrated its silver anniversary on Sept. 27, 2022, having sold nearly 400,000 units in the country.

The company said in a press statement that it looks forward to “bringing more world-class Ford vehicles, introducing new innovations to elevate the ownership experience for its customers, and making a difference in the lives of its partner communities and beneficiaries.”

“It has been a thrilling ride for Ford in the Philippines,” said Ford Philippines managing director Mike Breen. 

“We thank all our stakeholders who have been part of our journey for the last 25 years – our customers, dealers, employees, business partners, and communities,” he added. “We appreciate the amount of support, partnership and collaboration you have extended through the years.” 

More than a century in the Philippines

The American carmaker’s presence in the country goes as far back as the early 1900s with the Ford Model T.

In 1968, the company set up a local subsidiary that operated until 1984. Notable models during that period include the Escort, the Cortina, the Laser, and the Fiera commercial vehicle.

After the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, Japanese carmakers resumed their operations with the help of the first Aquino government’s Car Development Program.

Meanwhile, Ford returned to the country on Sept. 27, 1997 as Ford Motor Company Philippines, Inc. It ended the year by selling 97 units of its sole offering, the Expedition full-size sport-utility vehicle.

By 1999, Ford had opened its own assembly plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, which was shut down in 2012 after the brand consolidated its Southeast Asia operations. The facility was acquired by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation in 2014.

Ford Philippines also became the American brand’s national sales and distribution subsidiary in 2012, handling all sales, service and marketing activities of Ford vehicles in the country.

Premier motoring journalism award

Ford Philippines has spearheaded a wide range of corporate social responsibility projects over the last 25 years.

These include the global Driving Skills for Life program. In the Philippines, the company partnered with Tuason Racing School to teach drivers about road safety and vehicle control.

Ford Philippines also hosts the Henry Ford Awards, which has been recognizing exemplary work in local motoring journalism for more than two decades. These include works of rival car brands, along with stories on road safety and emerging technologies.

Here are some scenes from the last few years with the cars and people behind Ford Philippines. What fond memories do you have of your Ford?