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From the Model T to the Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s journey in the UK is a story of relentless innovation, significant cultural impact, and a lifelong legacy.
Whether you’re a forever Ford enthusiast or a newcomer that’s curious about the brand’s British footprint, this deep dive into Ford’s evolution (and TC Harrison’s role in it) offers a insightful look into how the Blue Oval became a household name across the UK.
Ford’s story begins in the United States, when Henry Ford founded the company in 1903. This also marked the start of the UK journey, when the first Model A cars were imported from across the pond this same year. By 1911, Ford had established its first factory outside North America at Trafford Park, Manchester, and production of the iconic Model T was in full swing. This marked the beginning of Ford’s legendary manufacturing legacy in Britain.
By 1931, Ford opened its famous Dagenham plant, which became Europe’s largest car factory. It was here that the Ford Model Y was born - the first car designed specifically for markets outside the States. Over the decades, Dagenham produced millions of vehicles, including the Cortina, Escort, and Fiesta, which helped shaped the British motoring landscape.
The Halewood plant, which opened in 1963, added to its heritage by producing models such as the Anglia and Capri, and later transitioned into producing electric vehicle components.
Ford truly holds innovation in the centre of what they do. The company revolutionised manufacturing with the moving assembly line, slashing production time from 12 hours to just 90 minutes. It also introduced the 5 day working week in 1926 that we still see today, setting a new standard for labour rights across the globe.
In the UK, Ford has continued to push boundaries. The Dunton Technical Centre in Essex is a hub for cutting edge research and development, playing a leading role in the transition to electrification. Projects like E:Prime and E-Steel have positioned Ford UK as a leader in electric powertrain production.
The launch of the Mustang Mach-E, the brand’s first fully-electric car in the UK, illustrates the commitment to electrifying the entire range by the end of the decade, as well as underscoring Ford’s forward thinking ethos.
Founded in 1931 by Thomas ‘Cuth’ Harrison, TC Harrison Ford began as a small repair shop in Sheffield during the Great Depression. Despite the economic challenges, Cuth’s vision and dedication laid the foundation for what would become one of the largest family-run Ford dealership networks in the UK.
TC Harrison secured its first Ford franchise just five years later and has since grown to include dealerships in Derby, Peterborough, Burton-on-Trent, Spalding, Huntingdon, and Stamford. We remain family-owned to this day, and are now in the fourth generation of Harrisons being involved in business operations. TC Harrison Ford continues to uphold the values of customer care, integrity, and expert advice, just as Cuth set out to do all those years ago.
Ford cars have become symbols of British life. The Escort and Fiesta were staples of driveways and streets for decades. The Transit van, first introduced in 1965, became, and still is, the backbone of British business.
Today, Ford continues to resonate with UK drivers, blending performance, reliability, and evolution.
Ford’s UK operations are now focused on electrification and sustainability. The transformation of Halewood into an electric power unit facility and the development of e-motor core production through Project E-Steel signal a bold new era.
With a £30 billion global investment into electrification and a commitment to zero-emission vehicles, Ford is not only adapting to the future, it’s shaping it. Revolutionary new vehicles such as the All-Electric Explorer, All-Electric Puma Gen-E, and All-Electric Capri are helping to solidify Ford as a major player in the electric vehicle market.
From its humble beginnings in Manchester to its cutting-edge electric innovations, Ford’s journey in the UK is a testament to vision, resilience, and progress. TC Harrison Ford proudly stands as part of this legacy, offering customers not just vehicles, but a connection to a brand that has helped define British motoring.
Whether you're exploring the latest cars, such Ford Puma Gen-E, booking a service, or diving into Ford’s rich history, TC Harrison Ford is your gateway to the past, present, and future of Ford in the UK.
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