The History of Autolite and Motorcraft: Ford's Commitment to Quality Auto Parts
Ford Motor Company has a long history of providing quality auto parts to its customers. In the 1960s, Ford made a significant move to bring quality parts to its customers by acquiring the Electric Autolite Company, which was already producing a range of replacement parts for Ford vehicles. This acquisition allowed Ford to bring the production and supply of quality replacement parts for its vehicles in-house.
The Electric Autolite Company had been founded in 1911 in Ohio, and it had a long history of producing high-quality parts. In the 1930s, Autolite became a leading supplier of spark plugs for Ford, and it continued to supply other replacement parts for Ford vehicles as well. When Ford acquired Autolite in 1961, the brand was already well known and respected, and its products were of excellent quality. Ford used the acquisition to build on the existing quality of Autolite parts and improve its parts product line.
In 1972, Ford rebranded the replacement parts operation under the Motorcraft brand. This move was designed to bring a fresh approach to the production and supply of replacement parts while retaining the high-quality standard set by Autolite. Following this rebranding, Ford sold the Autolite brand in 1973 to Bendix Corporation.
The current Motorcraft logo features a silhouette of the GT40 race car in red against a black background. The GT40 was a legendary racing car produced by Ford in the 1960s, specifically to take on Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1966, the GT40 famously won the race, marking the first time an American car had achieved the feat. The GT40 went on to win the race three more times in a row, cementing its place in racing history.
The red color of the GT40 in the Motorcraft logo represents speed, performance, and excitement. The bold, all-caps "Motorcraft" lettering sits above the GT40 silhouette, giving the logo a clean and modern look. The logo has been updated several times over the years, but it has always remained true to the brand's commitment to quality, performance, and innovation.
Today, Motorcraft continues to be a trusted brand in the auto parts industry. It provides a range of quality parts, including spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters, oil, and brake pads, among others. Motorcraft products are designed to meet or exceed the standards set by the original equipment manufacturer, ensuring that customers get reliable and long-lasting parts for their vehicles.
Over the years, Motorcraft has remained committed to innovation and developing new products to meet the changing needs of drivers. The brand's dedication to quality and performance has made it a leading supplier of replacement parts for Ford vehicles and other makes and models.