Ford’s vehicles have come a long way since then. By the 1920s, the world’s first mass-produced car - the spindle-wheeled, high-roofed Model T Ford - had given over 15 million people their first taste of the freedom that a car can bring. By the early 1930s, European customers were also benefiting from affordable and dependable Ford cars that were designed specifically for them. The 1932 Model Y was the first of a long line of small European Fords, which gave many drivers their first taste of new car motoring. It was know as the Ford Koln in Germany, Ford 6CV in France and nicknamed the Ford Forito in Spain. In Britain, the 1935 Ford Popular version became the only family saloon ever to be sold for £100.

The new outlook in post war Europe brought new generations of Ford vehicles such as the Ford Taunus range in Germany and the Ford Anglia/Prefect and Ford Consul/Zephyr/Zodiac ranges in Britain.

Modern times…
The exuberance of the 1960s was matched by the launch of the Ford Cortina, Ford Capri and Ford Escort – cars that created benchmarks for family, business and sporting motoring for over 20 years.

1976 saw the launch of the all new Ford Fiesta, Ford's first foray into the 'supermini' market. Compact, dependable and fun to drive the Ford Fiesta in many ways became the definitive small car. An all- new generation of front wheel drive Ford Escorts debuted in 1980. With the new CVH engine it was so well received that it won ‘European Car of the Year’ in 1981.

The Ford Sierra, launched in 1982, established a new design approach for family cars and had a profound effect on subsequent vehicle design trends. The Ford Sierra went on to become the best selling family car through the mid-1980s.

The Ford family of vehicles has repeatedly taken the world by storm: Ford Granada/Scorpio won the coveted European Car Of The Year trophy in 1986 and this achievement was matched by the Ford Mondeo in 1994 and the Ford Focus in 1999. The Ford Transit Connect has just won the European Van of the Year Award and Ford vehicles continue to win acclaim from around the world.

In 2002, the Ford Streetka reinvented the fun of the two-seater roadster with head-turning results, while in the same year Ford Fusion created a new breed of tough, versatile urban vehicles.

Future thinking…

At the 2002 Detroit Auto Show, Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company CEO and great grandson of Henry Ford unveiled the Ford GT concept. Following a rave reception, the company announced within weeks that it would go into production as part of it's Centennial celebrations.

A proud new member of the Ford Focus family is also now available in Ford’s Centennial year – the Ford Focus C-MAX. Looking to the future of 21st century living, the Ford Focus C-MAX, with its outstanding driving quality, great versatility and sleek design will make a big splash in the Multi-Activity Vehicle sector.

There is more exciting news from Ford Motor Company. Bill Ford recently spoke about the Ford Model U concept – a car that has a hydrogen internal-combustion engine and which emits almost zero pollutants:

“The company’s Centennial offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on our many past accomplishments. But, it also challenges us to look ahead and create a vision of continuing success. Model U is an exploration of that future vision.”

And with a nod to his great grandfather, Bill Ford also declared:

“The customer can have any car so long as it’s green.”