Quick Facts: Lincoln (Ford Motor Company)
| Owner | Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) |
| Ownership Type | Public subsidiary |
| Ford CEO | Jim Farley |
| Ford Executive Chairman | Bill Ford (great-grandson of Henry Ford) |
| Founded | 1917 (Henry Leland); acquired by Ford 1922 |
| Headquarters | Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| Key Models | Navigator, Aviator, Corsair, Nautilus, Continental |
| Publicly Traded | Yes (via parent Ford Motor Company, NYSE: F) |
Who Owns Lincoln?
Lincoln is the luxury vehicle brand of Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), one of the world’s oldest and largest automakers. Lincoln is not a separate company — it operates as Ford’s premium luxury division, positioned above the Ford brand in the automaker’s lineup. Ford Motor Company has publicly traded shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: F). Jim Farley serves as President and CEO of Ford Motor Company. Bill Ford, the great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford, serves as Executive Chairman, maintaining the founding family’s presence at the leadership level. Ford acquired Lincoln in 1922 from its original founder, Henry Leland.
Lincoln’s History
Lincoln was founded in 1917 by Henry Leland, the same precision engineer who had previously co-founded Cadillac. Leland named the brand after Abraham Lincoln — the first president he had voted for. After facing financial difficulties, Lincoln was purchased by Henry Ford for $8 million in 1922. Under Ford, Lincoln evolved into one of America’s premier luxury brands, producing iconic vehicles including the Continental — favored by US presidents — and the Town Car. In more recent decades, Lincoln has undergone multiple repositioning efforts. The current Lincoln portfolio includes the Navigator SUV, Aviator, Corsair, and Nautilus. The Continental sedan was discontinued in 2020.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Lincoln is wholly owned by Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and operates as Ford’s luxury brand division.
- Jim Farley is President and CEO of Ford Motor Company. Bill Ford (great-grandson of Henry Ford) is Executive Chairman.
- Lincoln was founded in 1917 by Henry Leland and acquired by Henry Ford for $8 million in 1922.
- Ford Motor Company is publicly traded on the NYSE (ticker: F). Investing in Ford gives investors indirect exposure to the Lincoln brand.
- Lincoln’s current lineup includes the Navigator, Aviator, Corsair, and Nautilus — all luxury SUVs. The Continental sedan was discontinued in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Lincoln?
Lincoln is owned by Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F). It operates as Ford’s luxury vehicle brand. Jim Farley is CEO of Ford, and Bill Ford (great-grandson of Henry Ford) serves as Executive Chairman.
Is Lincoln publicly traded?
Lincoln is not separately traded. Its parent company, Ford Motor Company, is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker F.
Who founded Lincoln?
Lincoln was founded in 1917 by Henry Leland — the precision engineering pioneer who had also previously co-founded Cadillac. Henry Ford purchased Lincoln for $8 million in 1922 after Leland’s company faced financial difficulties.
Is Lincoln still making the Continental?
No. Lincoln discontinued the Continental sedan in 2020 after it was reintroduced in 2017 but failed to generate sufficient sales. Lincoln’s current lineup consists entirely of SUVs: the Navigator, Aviator, Corsair, and Nautilus.
