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Ford Motor Co.

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Ford Motor Company and Change Management
Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1903 by Henry Ford and a group of investors, the company introduced the tremendously successful Model T in 1908 and by 1923 was producing more than half of all U.S. automotive vehicles. Through the Lincoln Motor Company, Ford produced luxury Lincolns and Continentals. After years of declining sales, the Model T was succeeded by the Model A in 1927 other companies such as General Motors took the opportunity to make an advance into Ford's dominance. The company was reincorporated in 1919, with Ford and his family acquiring full ownership
Henry's son Edsel served as president 1919-1943 and Henry's grandson Henry Ford II led the company 1945–1979, reviving its fortunes considerably. Its stock was first publicly traded in 1956. Ford acquired the British automaker Jaguar in 1989 -1990, bought the rental car company Hertz Corp. in 1994, and purchased the automobile division of Volvo in 1999. Later acquisitions included Aston Martin and the Land Rover brand of sport utility vehicles. Ford also owns a significant share of the Mazda Motor Corporation because of financial struggles at the beginning of the 21st century, the company sold off Aston Martin in 2007 and both Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008.
Faced with an overwhelmingly complex situation, Alan Mulally was brought in as Ford Motor Company's new president and CEO. As diverse global dynamics confront the company and pressures continue to build, he has the challenging task of improving Ford's brand image and returning the company to profitability. Mulally was named the President and CEO of Ford Motor Company on September 5, 2006, succeeding William Clay Ford, Jr., who remained as Executive Chairman of the company's Board of Directors.
Mulally began his career with Boeing as an engineer in 1969. Mulally was largely credited with BCA's

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