Not Your Parents' Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, and the Ford brand specifically, have traditionally been thought of as representing a deeply conservative perspective. This, however, is not true in the current reality, nor has it been for a long. Long time.

Ford opened its Greenfield Labs in Palo Alto in 2016. Currently, Ford Greenfield Labs houses a team of advanced researchers, engineers, designers and scientists focused on creating new connections between automotive and emerging technical and design innovations. Its charter is to accelerate the realization of Smart Vehicles for a Smart World. They use cutting edge approaches to blend social and natural sciences, human-centered design and technology.  Through this process, Ford has achieved significant advancements in developing alternative transportation strategies, self-driving technologies and vehicle connectivity. They have also launched new programs to improve customer experience through data and analytics.

On the “Green” front, Ford fascinated and impressed the world by launching the hot new Mustang Mach-E. With an EPA estimated 230 miles of range, and the heart, soul and power required of its Mustang name, Ford is ushering in the new era of the “Electric Pony.” Rounding out the hybrid/electric Ford offerings are the 2020 Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Plug-in Hybrid,  2020 Escape Hybrid and Escape Plug-in Hybrid and the 2020 Explorer Limited Hybrid, offering you a versatile range of alternatives to fit your lifestyle.

And proving that you can move forward by looking back, Ford is made a huge splash in the small pickup truck and off-road/SUV markets by re-introducing the Ford Ranger and later this year, the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport.

But, Ford’s progressive ways aren’t limited to automotive technology and engineering. Ford Motor Company has been an active supporter of LGBTQ rights and causes for over 15 years. In 2005, Ford released a definitive statement showing it would not cater to the AFA (American Family Association) demands to stop marketing to the LGBTQ market and funding LGBTQ organizations and programs. Ford has held true to that stance even though the AFA called for a boycott of all Ford products in 2006 because Ford resisted its anti-LGBTQ demands. Additionally, Ford has consistently been ranked as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ employees in America, and in Mexico.

Ford also has a strong LGBTQ employee organization, Ford Globe (fordglobe.org) that actively participates in annual Pride Parades, supports LGBTQ employees throughout the corporation, and contributes to LGBTQ causes on both the National and Local levels.

In short, Ford’s current marketing slogan, “Built Ford Proud,” is one that has been earned and proven to be on point for the company and its employees.  This is definitely NOT your Parents’ Ford Motor Company!