Happy Anniversary as Ford Finland Celebrates Centenary
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Ford Finland celebrated its 100th anniversary
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|Ford Finland celebrated its 100th anniversary
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|Vintage Mustang was one of several classics on display -
|Ford employees and dealers attended the event -
|Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick addresses the guests -
|Ford Motor Company of Finland Oy was established in 1926 -
|Ford Finland CEO Johan Lindberg, pictured right, was honoured to welcome Jim Baumbick -
|There are approximately 45 Ford dealerships in Finland -
|Ford’s story in Finland dates back to 1904 -
|Ford has established itself as a strong car brand in Finland -
|Guests got to look at a selection of Fords from over the years
HELSINKI, Finland – Ford Finland celebrated its 100th anniversary this month with a special centennial party attended by Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick, Ford Finland CEO Johan Lindberg, Ford employees and dealers.
“Finland is famous for many things, but one of the most inspiring to me is the Finnish concept of “Sisu” - a profound form of grit, tenacity, and stoic determination they embody in the face of extreme adversity,” said Jim.
“At Ford Motor Company, we talk about being #BuiltFordTough, and it is in this way we feel so deeply connected to Finland. 100 years does not happen by accident, it is because of our people. To our employees and dealer partners, thank you for all you do to represent our brand, and to our customers, thank you for putting your trust in Ford Motor Company.”
Johan Lindberg said: “It was an absolute honour to host Jim Baumbick during our centennial celebrations. We had the chance to reflect on our rich heritage while looking firmly toward the future.
The energy from our employees, dealers, and partners was truly electric—a powerful reminder of the strength of the Ford family.
A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to the next 100 years of innovation and driving forward.”
While this year marks Ford’s centenary in Finland, Ford’s story in Finland dates back to 1904 when the first Ford car was sold there in a Finnish department store.
Ford continued to import cars to Finland from Sweden and Denmark until 1925, but as demand grew, Ford Motor Company of Finland Oy was established in 1926 and became the country’s first subsidiary of a car manufacturer.
In 1929, Ford Motor Company offered 40 per cent of the shares to Finnish investors. The offer was a success and share ownership grew, and in 1938 the company became the first car importer in Finland to list on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.
At the same time, the name of the company was changed to Oy Ford Ab. Things came full circle in 2000 when Ford bought back the shares and left the Helsinki Stock Exchange after 62 years.
Today, Ford has established itself as a strong car brand in the Finnish market. Imports are still handled by Oy Ford Ab, which is no longer a listed company. New Fords are sold in Finland by approximately 45 Ford dealerships, most of which also offer maintenance and spare parts services.