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Ford Motor Argentina
Ford Motor Argentina
Ford Motor Argentina
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Ford Argentina S.C.A. is the Argentine subsidiary of Ford Motor Company founded in Buenos Aires in 1913.[3] Its first products were Model Ts assembled from complete knock down (CKD) kits provided by Ford Motor Company in 1917.[4] Nevertheless, Ford Motor Argentina is best known in more recent times for producing the Ford Focus and, previously, the Argentine version of the Ford Falcon,[5] originally a U.S. model introduced in Argentina in 1961, but adapted to the Argentine market.

Key Information

In South America, Ford's primary operations are in Brazil, Argentina and Ford Andina.[6] (Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador) Ford employs over 18,000 people and operates seven assembly or other plants in the region.[7]

History

[edit]
1915 Ford advertisement published in La Prensa newspaper featuring the model T

In 1913, Ford entered the Argentine market, and in 1916, Buenos Aires became home to the first assembly operation of Ford products in Latin America and the second worldwide after Ford of Britain. Dismantled cars were assembled in Argentina at the plant on Herrera Street, in the Barracas neighborhood of Buenos Aires. That same year, the parent company invested US$240,000 for the construction of an assembly plant in La Boca, another neighborhood of Buenos Aires.[4] In 1922 the plant was inaugurated with the production of the model T,[8] which was imported and assembled locally with a 20% parts manufactured in Argentina. By 1927, 100,000 units had been produced in Argentina. That same year the model A was launched.[4]

Ford assembly plant in La Boca, c. 1922

At that time the products were marketed through a net composed of 285 dealers. The administrative staff and the personnel of paid workers came to 400. Later, and due to the rising demand the plant was enlarged, coming its staff to 1,500 people.[9]

In 1939, with the Second World War outbreak, the importation of vehicles and components was closed. The production was restricted to finishing the units with the available material, but the increasing lack of basic supplies for the production forced to stop the activity. During this time, Ford manufactured batteries and it attended its clients with the sale of spare parts and car accessories made in local repair shops. Later, this would give rise to the beginning of the Argentine auto part industry. The first Ford trucks were imported to Argentina in 1930.[10]

After the WWII concluded, Ford Argentina restarted activities at La Boca in late 1946, but production was interrupted again in 1948, which remained until 1957. In 1959, the company started production of the first commercial vehicles, F-series pickups, F-600 trucks, and chassis for B-600 colectivos.[2] The former "Ford Motor Argentina S.A." was incorporated in 1959. The F-600 medium-duty trucks were also produced by then. One year later, the company started to build a new assembly plant in General Pacheco, Buenos Aires Province to increase its capacity of production. The General Pacheco Assembly Plant was officially inaugurated in 1961.[4] It has a surface area of 252,000 m2 covered (out of 1,308,000 m2 total).[2]

The first vehicle to be produced at General Pacheco was the Falcon in 1962. The offer expanded with the Fairlane, released in 1969 and targeted to the luxury car market. Nevertheless, the 1973 oil crisis[11] and its consequences (such as the increase of prices more than 300%)[12] forced manufacturers to produce smaller and low fuel consumption vehicles. Therefore, in 1974 Ford launched the Taunus (a mid-size car originally designed by Ford Germany), the first European-based car to be produced by Ford Argentina.[13] In 1979 the Falcon became Argentina's top selling car with 28,522 units sold, accomplishment repeated six times. In 1982, Ford had a 38% share in the Argentina market.[2]

Ford Argentina opened a truck assembly and paint plant in 1982. One year later, the Taunus n° 1,000,000 was produced at General Pacheco. In 1984, Ford Argentina launched the Sierra, another mid-size designed by Uwe Bahnsen, Bob Lutz, and Patrick le Quément for Ford Europe.[14]

In 1987, AutoLatina Argentina, a joint venture formed by the merger of Ford Motor Argentina and Volkswagen Argentina, was established. Each brand maintained their own corporate image, the marketing and sales structures, as well as independent dealerships and service shops. All other departments were consolidated, allowing significant cost cutting, but also cutting the workforce almost in half. Sales figures and profitability were disappointing and the joint venture was dissolved in 1994, and on 1 January 1995, Ford Argentina S.A. was reestablished. Under the Autolatina separation plans, Ford became sole owner of the Pacheco plant (Volkswagen acquired the existing truck plant and converted it for car assembly).[4]

President Carlos Menem driving an Escort model in October 1996, during the ceremony in which the model was released in Argentina

Ford incorporated the production of Escort (European version) and Ranger pickup models. In December 1996, all Ford Argentina plants and the Customer Assistance Division obtained ISO 9002 certification while in 1998 Ford reached 2,000,000 vehicles produced. In April 1999, the Pacheco Assembly Plant obtained ISO 14001 certification.[8]

In 1999 the production of the Focus, a successful Ford global model, started at the Gral. Pacheco Plant. The Focus was honored as the "Car of the Year" in Argentina by two different councils of journalists.

In 2000, Ford held 14.9% of the market share, ranking second in the market. Market participation was 13.4% in cars and 18.9% in trucks; where Ford maintains leadership, production volume was 56.300 units. Ford ranked first among automotive manufacturers regarding exports. By then, only the Focus and Ranger models were produced in the plant.[2]

In 2007, Ford had 12.8% market share, ranking third after Peugeot-Citroën [PCA] (28.5%) and General Motors (20.5%) with a production volume of over 64.000 units.[15] The company also invested US$156.5m in the Pacheco facility[16]

In 2018, two former executives were convicted over kidnapping and torture of company workers during the Argentinian dictatorship in 1976–1983. The men were sentenced to 10 and 12 years.[17][18]

The increasing interest of consumers towards other type of vehicles (like SUVs) forced Ford Argentina to stop production of the Focus model in 2019.[19] It has been the last sedan to be produced by Ford in Argentina since then. As of 2022, only the Ranger pickup is produced at General Pacheco plant.[2]

Produced models

[edit]

The list includes Ford models assembled, manufactured, and imported in Argentina, in chronological order:[20]

Current models

[edit]
Name Type Origin Produced Image
Ranger Pickup truck USA 1996–present

Past models

[edit]
Name Type Origin Produced Image
Model T [n1 1] Economy USA 1917–28
Model A Full-size USA 1928–32
F-100/150 Pickup truck USA 1959–97 [n1 2]
F-600/700[22] Truck USA 1961–92
F-350/400/500 Medium-duty truck USA 1961–92
Falcon [n1 3] Sedan / station wagon USA
ARG [n1 4]		 1962–91
Fairlane Mid-size USA 1969–81
Falcon Ranchero [n1 5] Coupé utility USA
ARG [n1 5]		 1973–91
Taunus Mid-size GER 1974–83
Sierra Mid-size EU 1984–93
Escort C-segment EU 1987–2002
Orion C-segment EU 1994–97
Focus Compact EU [n1 6] 1999–2019
Cargo Truck UK 1999–2000
Notes
  1. ^ Fully manufactured since 1925. Until then, only assembled.
  2. ^ Only assembled in the plant of La Boca (1959–61), and then fully manufactured (starting in 1961) in General Pacheco.[21]
  3. ^ Assembled only (1962–63); from 1963 that year, the Falcon became the first Ford 4-door sedan fully produced in Argentina.[23][24]
  4. ^ Although the first Falcon produced was based on the North American model, since 1966 its restylings were made in Argentina with no relation with the parent company.
  5. ^ a b Not the original Ford Ranchero but an adapted local Falcon body.
  6. ^ Introduced by Ford Europe in 1998.[25] The third generation of the Focus was released in 2011 with similar design for both markets, Europe and North America.[26]

Imported models

[edit]

Other imported models

  • Mustang (third generation)(1980-1990) [42]
  • Fairmont (1980-81)[43]
  • Taunus 17m (1961-62) [44]
  • Courier (1998-2010) [45]
  • v8 (1938-39)[46]
  • Bronco (Third generation) (1980-82) [47]
  • Escape (2001-03) [48]
    • Notes
    1. ^ Asian version produced from Mazda, imported from Japan.
    2. ^ Rebadging of Brazilian Volkswagen Santana, commercialised by former Ford subsidiary AutoLatina.
    3. ^ Originally imported from Spain, one year later Argentina began to import Fiesta manufactured in Brazil.[27][26][28]
    4. ^ Included models C195E, C1517, C1722, C1932, C2632. Trucks were imported from Brazil.[10]
    5. ^ The line added an hybrid model in 2020.[34]

    References

    [edit]
    [edit]
    Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

    Ford Motor Argentina

    View on Grokipedia
    from Grokipedia
    Ford Motor Argentina S.C.A. is the Argentine subsidiary of , founded on December 31, 1913, in as the first automotive manufacturer to establish operations in the country and the initial South American branch of the global automaker. With over 110 years of uninterrupted presence, Ford Argentina has played a pivotal role in the nation's , beginning with the experimental assembly of the in 1917 using a moving that introduced assembly-line efficiency, or "fordismo," to . By 1920, eight out of every nine automobiles sold in Argentina were s, and by 1926, the company employed 1,500 workers, operated 2,400 exclusive workshops, and maintained more than 285 dealerships nationwide. Over the decades, it expanded production to include diverse models such as the (introduced in 1962), F-Series trucks like the F-100 (1959), and later the (1999–2019) and Escort. The company's primary manufacturing hub is the Pacheco Assembly Plant, inaugurated in 1962 on a 323-acre site in General Pacheco, Buenos Aires province, which serves as Ford Argentina's headquarters and spans 1,308,000 square meters with approximately 3,500 employees as of 2024. Currently, the plant focuses on producing the pickup truck (since 1996), with output targeted at 70,000 units in 2025—a 15% increase from 2024—primarily for the South American market, including exports to and . In February 2025, production commenced at the on-site engine facility for the new 2.0-liter Panther (170 horsepower, 405 Nm ), supporting the next-generation Ranger following a $660 million that enhanced capabilities under "manufacturing 4.0" principles. Ford Argentina's history also includes notable controversies, particularly during Argentina's 1976–1983 , when company executives were implicated in the abduction and of 24 workers at the plant, leading to convictions in for two former top officials on charges. Despite such challenges, the subsidiary continues to emphasize innovation, community programs in education and environmental sustainability, and a commitment to electrified and connected vehicle portfolios aligned with global Ford strategies.

    History

    Founding and early operations (1913–1950)

    Ford Motor Argentina was established in 1913 as the company's second overseas branch, initially entering the market through the import of Model T vehicles in complete knock-down (CKD) kit form for local reassembly in . This approach allowed Ford to meet growing demand in , one of Latin America's largest economies at the time, by reducing shipping costs and tariffs on fully built units. The subsidiary quickly became a key player in the region's nascent automotive sector, focusing on the reliable and affordable Model T to appeal to urban and rural buyers alike. By 1917, formal assembly operations commenced in , establishing the city as Ford's first Latin American production site and enabling the company to localize part of the manufacturing process amid rising import duties. This early facility handled the disassembly and reassembly of imported kits, producing the Model T from 1917 to 1928 and laying the groundwork for expanded operations. The venture marked a pioneering effort in regional industrialization, with serving as a hub for distribution across . In 1922, Ford inaugurated its dedicated La Boca assembly plant in Buenos Aires, shifting to full vehicle assembly of the Model T and incorporating up to 20% locally sourced parts by the mid-1920s. The facility rapidly scaled production, achieving a significant milestone with the assembly of the 100,000th Model T in , which underscored the model's popularity and the plant's efficiency in meeting domestic needs. This period solidified Ford's dominance in Argentina's light vehicle market, with the Model T's simplicity facilitating widespread adoption among farmers and city dwellers. Production transitioned to the Model A in 1928, continuing at until 1932, as Ford updated its lineup to include more modern features like improved suspension and styling. Through , the company introduced initial V-8 engine variants, assembled locally from 1932 onward, which offered enhanced performance and appealed to a broadening consumer base despite economic challenges like the . These models, including flathead V-8 trucks and sedans, represented Ford's commitment to technological advancement in the Argentine context. The outbreak of severely disrupted operations starting in 1939, when import restrictions halted the supply of components from the , forcing reliance on local materials. Production became intermittent from 1942 to 1945 due to acute shortages of raw materials like and rubber, limiting output to incomplete vehicles finished with available stocks and prioritizing essential commercial models over passenger cars. This wartime constraint reduced annual volumes significantly, though Ford resumed fuller operations postwar, adapting to Argentina's neutral stance during the conflict.

    Expansion and joint ventures (1951–1990)

    Following , Ford Motor Argentina resumed operations in the 1950s, focusing on diversification beyond early assembly models by introducing European-inspired vehicles suited to local demands. The company restarted production at its facilities in 1957 with the F-series pickup trucks, marking a shift toward commercial vehicles amid Argentina's growing agricultural sector. By the late 1950s, Ford expanded its lineup to include the , a compact sedan based on German designs, which was assembled locally from 1957 to 1974 and adapted with reinforced components for Argentina's varied road conditions. Although the Vedette, a French-developed model with a flathead , was not locally produced, it influenced diversification efforts through imports and inspired subsequent V8 integrations in Argentine Ford vehicles during the decade. A pivotal development occurred in 1961 with the opening of the General Pacheco Assembly Plant in , which became Ford's primary manufacturing hub and played a key role in nationalizing production to meet government import substitution policies. Spanning over 1,308,000 square meters, the facility initially focused on assembling commercial vehicles like the F-series pickups and B-600 bus chassis, gradually increasing local content to reduce reliance on imported parts. This infrastructure investment enabled Ford to scale operations, producing around 20,000 units annually in its early years and supporting economic localization requirements under Argentina's automotive development plans. The launch of the iconic Argentine in 1962 exemplified this expansion, with initial assembly at from complete knockdown kits before shifting to for full local production. Adapted for the local market with a higher suspension, reinforced for rough roads, and initial 170 inline-six engines later upgraded to 3.6-liter options, the became a bestseller, embodying middle-class aspirations and remaining in production until 1991 with over 500,000 units built. Variants like the Ranchero utility model, introduced in the 1970s, further customized the platform with extended cabs and cargo beds tailored to agricultural needs, enhancing its versatility in rural . Throughout the and , Ford introduced additional models unique to the era, including the Versailles sedan from 1969 to 1984, which featured luxury trims with V8 powertrains derived from components for executive buyers. The continued evolving with updates like the TC1 series in , incorporating South American-specific reinforcements for durability. By the , Ford adapted imports like the Brazilian Corcel for local assembly at , modifying the front-wheel-drive sedan with local engines and suspensions to comply with market regulations during a period of economic flux. During Argentina's from 1976 to 1983, Ford executives at the plant were implicated in abuses, collaborating with the regime to abduct and at least 24 union workers suspected of political . Workers were kidnapped from premises, held in clandestine detention centers, and subjected to , with some disappearing. In December 2018, an Argentine court convicted two former Ford executives, Müller and Héctor Sibilla, of , sentencing them to 10 and 12 years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the abductions. This case marked the first of foreign corporate executives for in the country's "." Economic challenges in the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by hyperinflation rates exceeding 3,000% annually by 1989 and import restrictions, severely impacted Ford's operations, leading to production slowdowns and temporary halts at Pacheco to manage costs and supply shortages. These conditions, compounded by political instability, reduced vehicle output and prompted strategic adaptations, such as focusing on durable, low-maintenance models like Falcon variants. To navigate these difficulties, Ford entered the AutoLatina with in 1987, merging operations in and to share production facilities and rationalize costs amid and weak demand. Under AutoLatina, the Pacheco plant produced shared models including the Ford Escort and Sierra sedans alongside Volkswagen-badged versions like the Pointer (a rebadged Escort) and Voyager wagon (based on the Sierra), enabling efficient use of resources until the venture's dissolution in 1994. This collaboration produced over 100,000 units annually in by the late , bolstering Ford's market position through badge-engineered efficiency.

    Modern developments (1991–present)

    In 1994, Ford and announced the dissolution of their AutoLatina in and , citing strategic differences over model sharing and market adaptation, with operations fully separating by the end of 1995. Ford Argentina reestablished independent operations on January 1, 1995, resuming production of Ford-badged models such as the Escort and Mondeo at the Pacheco plant to better align with global product strategies and local demand. This shift allowed Ford to regain market agility amid 's evolving economic landscape. Production of the Ford Focus commenced at the Pacheco plant in 1999, marking a key step in localizing global compact car assembly and contributing to strong sales in South America during the early 2000s. Output peaked at high volumes in the mid-2000s, supporting Ford's competitive position before demand for sedans began to wane globally. By 2019, declining sedan sales prompted Ford to cease Focus production in May, transitioning the Pacheco facility to exclusively manufacture the Ranger pickup from 2020 onward as part of a broader pivot to high-demand utility vehicles. Ford invested heavily in Ranger production capabilities, with preparations for the next-generation model announced in 2022 ahead of its 2023 launch at , enhancing efficiency and output for regional markets. Exports grew steadily, reaching destinations across including , , , , , and , with approximately 70% of annual production directed overseas by the mid-2020s. Recent strategic announcements in 2024–2025 underscore this focus: Ford initiated production of 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter V6 engines for the Ranger at following a USD 80 million investment, while a USD 40 million expansion in July 2025 boosted annual capacity to over 80,000 units. Additionally, a USD 170 million commitment in October 2025 will enable Ranger assembly starting in 2027, positioning as the second global site for this electrified variant after . Ford Argentina navigated major economic disruptions during this period, including the 2001 recession, which severely impacted the automotive sector by slashing domestic sales and pushing overall industry output to near-collapse levels, prompting temporary layoffs and production cuts. The led to a production halt at from mid-March to early May , with operations resuming under strict health protocols amid global strains that continued into 2021. These adaptations helped sustain viability, aligning with Ford's emphasis on resilient supply chains and export-oriented growth.

    Operations and facilities

    Manufacturing plants

    Ford's initial manufacturing presence in Argentina began with the La Boca plant, established in 1922 in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of the same name, marking the company's first assembly facility in the country. This site focused on assembling vehicles such as the Model T, with production expanding to a capacity of 45,000 units per year by 1925 to meet growing local demand. Operations continued until 1961, when the facility was closed and production relocated to a new, larger site amid increasing urban pressures in the area and the need for expanded infrastructure. The primary manufacturing hub shifted to the General Pacheco plant, inaugurated in in , which serves as Ford Argentina's current headquarters and sole vehicle assembly facility. Spanning approximately 14 million square feet (1.3 million square meters), as of 2025 the plant has plans to reach an annual production capacity of over 80,000 vehicles following recent investments, primarily the since 2019. In the , Ford invested $250 million to modernize the assembly lines for production of the all-new EcoSport starting in 2012, coinciding with the rollout of the global Ranger platform at the site. The Pacheco plant plays a key role in Ford's regional strategy, with about 70% of its output exported to markets across —including , , , , , and —as well as other international destinations. A $40 million announced in 2025, bringing the total to $700 million, will boost Ranger production capacity to over 80,000 units annually, representing a 30% increase from 2024 levels.

    Engine and component production

    Ford Argentina's engine production history traces back to the early , when the company began assembling vehicles from complete knock-down kits at its facility in , incorporating Model T flathead inline-four engines starting in 1917. By , this process expanded to include the assembly of Ford's flathead V8 engines, aligning with the global introduction of V8 powertrains and supporting growing local demand. The establishment of the General Pacheco plant in marked a significant shift toward dedicated engine assembly lines, driven by Argentina's policies that mandated increasing local content in automotive during the . These policies encouraged Ford to localize production of key components, reducing reliance on imports and fostering domestic supplier networks to meet requirements for up to 50-60% local sourcing in vehicles by the late . In recent years, Ford Argentina has advanced its engine manufacturing capabilities at the Pacheco facility. Production of the 3.0L V6 engine (branded as Power Stroke, previously known as Duratorq) for the Ranger pickup commenced in mid-2024, following a dedicated investment to equip the plant for high-tech diesel powertrains. This was followed by the launch of the 2.0L Panther engine in February 2025, a four-cylinder unit designed specifically for the Ranger lineup and assembled on new dedicated lines to enhance efficiency and regional supply. In November 2025, Ford announced an additional $170 million investment to incorporate production of electric vehicle (PHEV) components at , as part of a broader strategy to support electrified Ranger variants slated for 2027, including battery packs and hybrid integration modules sourced regionally. Body parts, including stampings and elements, are produced at with approximately 60% local sourcing from Argentine suppliers, helping to mitigate costs amid fluctuating import duties and supporting the overall localization effort. These advancements are underpinned by a USD 80 million announced in 2023 and implemented in 2024 for engine production lines at , enabling the export of over 50,000 engine units annually to markets in and other regions, thereby strengthening Ford's regional .

    Vehicle models

    Current locally produced models

    As of 2025, the pickup truck remains the sole model manufactured at Ford Motor Argentina's Assembly Plant, with production of the next-generation model commencing in June 2023. This fifth-generation Ranger, built on an evolved T6 platform, is assembled for the n market and export, featuring variants such as the entry-level XL for commercial use, mid-range XLT with enhanced comfort features, and premium Wildtrak offering advanced off-road capabilities and luxury appointments. Engine options include the locally produced 2.0-liter Panther turbo-diesel four-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 Power Stroke turbo-diesel, delivering efficient performance for regional demands with the latter offering higher towing capacity up to 3,500 kg. The Pacheco facility's assembly lines have undergone significant upgrades following a $40 million announced in July 2025, enabling the addition of two new single-cab configurations and increasing annual output to over 80,000 units, with approximately 70% destined for export to markets including and other South American countries. These enhancements support export-oriented builds, incorporating modular production techniques for flexibility in variant assembly and component integration, while maintaining two-shift operations with a nearing 2,800 employees by year-end. The also handles in-house production of the Ranger's key diesel engines since early 2025, streamlining supply chains for regional distribution. Looking ahead, Ford has committed $170 million to adapt the Pacheco plant for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) production of the Ranger, scheduled to begin in 2027 and positioning as the second global site for this powertrain variant after . This initiative includes infrastructure for hybrid battery integration and aligns with broader goals, enhancing the model's efficiency with an estimated 45 km electric-only range while retaining diesel-like utility.

    Past locally produced models

    Ford Motor Argentina began local assembly of vehicles with the Model T in 1917, using complete knock-down kits imported from the , and continued production until 1928, reaching approximately 100,000 units by 1927. This model was pivotal in introducing affordable automobiles to the Argentine market, with assembly initially at a plant in , . Production transitioned to the Model A in 1928, which was manufactured locally until 1932, featuring improved styling and a more powerful engine compared to its predecessor. In the mid-20th century, Ford Argentina expanded its lineup with the , starting assembly of the TC1 series in 1970 at the General Pacheco plant, offering sedan, , and estate variants powered by 2.0L and 2.3L engines; production continued through various updates, including the TC3 in 1981, and ceased in 1984 after approximately 197,000 units. The , introduced in 1962 as a locally adapted version of the North American design, became one of the most iconic models, produced until 1991 with sedan, (Ranchero), and Sprint variants equipped with inline-six engines ranging from 3.6L to 4.1L; over 500,000 units were built, making it a staple of Argentine automotive culture. During the 1970s and 1980s, Ford Argentina produced the Escort through the AutoLatina with , starting in 1987 and continuing until 1996, with front-wheel-drive compact sedan and bodies using 1.6L and 1.8L engines tailored for local conditions. Similarly, the Sierra was assembled from 1984 to 1994, featuring and sedan options with 1.8L to 2.0L engines, serving as a mid-size offering during the partnership era. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw the introduction of the Focus in 1999 at the plant, where both sedan and versions were built with 1.6L and 2.0L Duratec engines until production ended in 2019. This discontinuation reflected a broader market shift toward SUVs and pickups, as sedan demand declined and Ford sought to reduce unprofitable operations.
    ModelProduction YearsKey Variants and EnginesApproximate Units
    Model T1917–1928Touring car, assembled from CKD kits; 2.9L inline-four~100,000
    Model A1928–1932Sedan, roadster; 3.3L inline-four~25,000
    (TC series)1970–1984Sedan, coupe, estate; 2.0L/2.3L inline-four~197,000
    1962–1991Sedan, Ranchero wagon, Sprint coupe; 3.6L–4.1L inline-six~500,000
    Escort1987–1996Sedan, ; 1.6L/1.8L inline-four~150,000
    Sierra1984–1994, sedan; 1.8L–2.0L inline-four~100,000
    Focus1999–2019Sedan, ; 1.6L/2.0L inline-four~300,000

    Current imported models

    Ford Motor Argentina imports several premium and mid-size models to diversify its portfolio beyond locally produced vehicles like the Ranger pickup. These imports primarily target the growing demand for in the Argentine market, offering advanced features and performance options not available through domestic assembly. The , imported from the since 2016, remains a in Argentina's lineup for the 2024–2026 model years. It features a 5.0-liter V8 engine in two variants: the GT Performance with 492 horsepower and 567 Nm of torque, and the Dark Horse with 507 horsepower and the same torque output, both paired with a 10-speed . This model emphasizes high-performance driving with adaptive suspension and multiple drive modes, positioning it as a niche offering for enthusiasts. The Ford Territory, fully imported from since 2021, serves as a mid-size option with a 1.8-liter EcoBoost turbocharged producing 190 horsepower, available in SEL, , and hybrid Trend variants using a 1.5-liter GTDI hybrid system. A refreshed version launched in 2025 includes updated styling such as a new grille, bumpers, and LED lighting, along with enhanced interior technology like a larger screen. It competes in the competitive mid-size segment with 7-speed and optional all-wheel drive. Additional imported SUVs include the Bronco Sport, sourced from and introduced in 2025 in and trims. uses a 1.5-liter EcoBoost with 184 horsepower and 258 Nm of torque, while the features a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost at 253 horsepower and 375 Nm, both with an 8-speed automatic and standard for off-road capability. This model targets adventure-oriented buyers with features like advanced terrain management systems. These imported models, particularly the and Bronco Sport, focus on the SUV segment to complement the locally produced Ranger, contributing to Ford's overall growth in amid a market rebound in 2025. While specific import volumes are not publicly detailed, they represent a strategic portion of Ford's approximately 4,000–5,000 monthly unit , emphasizing premium positioning in urban and adventure markets.

    Past imported models

    In the 1980s and , Ford Motor Argentina imported select models to supplement local manufacturing, including the third-generation from 1980 to 1990, equipped with a flathead . The Courier pickup was also imported from between 1998 and 2010, serving as a compact utility vehicle for the market. These imports were part of broader strategies during the AutoLatina joint venture with , which facilitated shared vehicle distribution in the region. During the , imports expanded to include the Escape from the between 2001 and 2003, marking Ford's entry into the compact SUV segment in . The Fiesta hatchback and sedan were imported from and later from 2007 to 2018, offering updated designs and engines before a shift to local assembly for some variants. The Mondeo sedan followed, imported primarily from between 2010 and 2015, positioning it as a premium mid-size option. Eco-specific models saw initial imports of the EcoSport from from 2003 to 2008, prior to expanded regional production that transitioned it to ongoing import status until phase-out. The Kuga crossover was imported from 2010 to 2019, providing a more premium alternative in the SUV lineup before being replaced by newer models like the . These past imports were discontinued or phased out due to strategic shifts toward local assembly for cost efficiency, such as with the Fiesta, or replacement by refreshed global models to align with market demands. High import tariffs in the , averaging around 30%, significantly impacted volumes by increasing costs and encouraging localization where possible.

    Economic impact

    Workforce and employment

    Ford Motor Argentina's has evolved significantly since its early operations in the , when the company employed around 500 workers in initial assembly activities in . During the , under the AutoLatina with , employment reached a peak of approximately 10,000 direct workers, reflecting expanded production and market integration across . This growth supported broader industrial development but was later impacted by economic crises and , leading to workforce reductions in the early 2000s. As of 2025, Ford Argentina employs over 4,000 direct workers, primarily at its manufacturing plant, following recent expansions that added more than 300 positions in 2024 and 2025 to meet rising demand for the Ranger pickup. These additions include roles in production and , maintaining a two-shift operation scheme. Indirect employment through suppliers and the automotive value chain exceeds 14,000 jobs, contributing to the sector's overall economic footprint in . The company invests in workforce development through in-house programs, such as the Ford Enter initiative, which provides free technological to young adults aged 18-24, focusing on skills like and digital optimization to prepare participants for industry roles. Additionally, the Ford Academy offers ongoing for employees and dealers, including sessions on advanced techniques, with over 1,000 hours of specialized delivered in recent cycles. While global Ford efforts emphasize (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technologies, local programs have integrated related modules since 2024 to upskill workers for sustainable mobility transitions. Labor relations at Ford Argentina are governed by collective bargaining agreements with unions like the Sindicato de Mecánicos y Afines del Transporte Automotor (SMATA), ensuring negotiated wages, benefits, and working conditions. Notable tensions arose during the 2019 cessation of Focus production at , which led to protests by workers against approximately 520 layoffs, highlighting concerns over amid regional . The company has since prioritized stability through investments, avoiding further major disruptions. Diversity initiatives include the Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión program, which promotes inclusive hiring and accommodations for employees with disabilities, earning recognition via the Argentina Valora seal in 2024. Complementary efforts, such as the Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship launched in , support underrepresented youth in pursuing technical education. Ford Argentina's operations extend regional impact through exports, with about 70% of Pacheco's Ranger output destined for South American markets like , , and Central American countries, sustaining over 18,000 jobs across the continent via integrated supply chains and assembly contributions. This export focus, bolstered by recent production increases to 70,000 units annually, reinforces in supplier networks and throughout the region.

    Sales performance and market share

    Ford Motor Argentina reached its historical peak market share of 38% in 1982, during a period of strong domestic demand for its locally produced vehicles like the and . This dominance reflected the company's leadership in both passenger cars and trucks amid a total market of around 200,000 units that year. By 2007, Ford maintained a solid 12.8% in a rapidly expanding industry totaling 567,850 units, underscoring its resilience during economic growth phases. In , Ford's sales demonstrated robust recovery, with year-to-date figures through September reaching 43,920 units, up 43.2% year-over-year and capturing approximately 9.4% of the national market that sold 467,090 vehicles overall. market sales rose to 51,982 units, bringing the YTD total to approximately 519,000 vehicles and pushing Ford's cumulative sales near 49,000 units as of late . sales specifically surged 66% to 4,259 units, driven by improved availability and demand for key models. The dominated Ford's portfolio, accounting for about 60% of total sales and leading with 6,795 units in the third quarter (down 8% year-over-year), though it faces stiff competition from the in the pickup segment. As of November , cumulative sales approached 50,000 units amid projections for continued growth. Exports have significantly bolstered Ford's revenue, with over 70,000 units shipped in 2024 from the plant, primarily Rangers destined for and other South American markets, offsetting domestic economic volatility. This export focus, representing the majority of production, helped stabilize finances during periods of local market contraction. Ford's performance has been shaped by Argentina's macroeconomic challenges, including peaking at 211% in 2023 and severe currency devaluation following a 54% peso drop in December 2023, which eroded and stalled sales through 2024. Recovery accelerated in 2025 with projected at around 35% as of late 2025 and real income improvements, alongside policy measures like reduced import tariffs and tax incentives that facilitated a 65% market expansion year-to-date. These shifts, combined with export reliance, positioned Ford to capture renewed domestic demand while navigating ongoing currency pressures.

    References

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