Intro: What started out in 1903 as an obscure little car maker is now celebrating it's 100th anniversary. Founded by Henry Ford, his first mark on the auto world was with the Model T, or Tin Lizzie as it became known. Within 12 years, Ford Motor Company was a household name, and the Model T was rocking the sales charts. Throughout the years, it was obvious that the main competitors for the company were Plymouth, owned by Chrysler, and Chevrolet, owned by GM.
During the 1950s, the heat really poured on, and Ford and Chevy consistantly battled for first place in sales.
During the 1960s Muscle Car Era, Ford and Chevy battled on, but the Mustang would prove to be the ace up Ford's sleeve for many years to come. The company had no idea the popularity the car would achive, nor that it would launch the subculture to the Muscle Car, the Pony Car.
During the 1970s, and 1980s, Ford enjoyed popularity but was losing ground to the imports from Asia and Europe. The Taurus was introduced, which quickly brought people back into the showrooms, but it really wasn't quite enough.
The 1990s represented massive growth and change to the automaker, with the rebirth of the Mustang, redesign of the Crown Victoria and several other models and introduction of a new line of engines that were more powerful, more efficient, and cleaner running.
Today, Ford is a world super power, owning Volvo, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mazda, and of course, Lincoln and Mercury.
Problems on the North American market resulted in the "Way Forward" plan which will result in massive layoffs and plant-closings both in USA and Canada between 2006-2008.
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