* Steel: A significant portion comes from steel mills worldwide, with locations varying based on production needs and cost-effectiveness. Major steel producers that likely supply Ford include companies like ArcelorMittal, Nucor, and SSAB. The origin of the iron ore used to make this steel is even more geographically diverse.
* Aluminum: Similar to steel, aluminum is sourced from various smelters globally, with key players including Alcoa, Rio Tinto Alcan, and Norsk Hydro. Bauxite, the aluminum ore, originates from countries rich in bauxite reserves.
* Plastics: These are derived from petroleum and natural gas, and Ford works with numerous plastics manufacturers and suppliers. The origin of these feedstocks is again varied, depending on global market conditions.
* Rubber: For tires and other components, Ford relies on suppliers who source natural rubber from rubber plantations, primarily in Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia). Synthetic rubber is also used, derived from petroleum.
* Rare Earth Minerals: These are used in smaller quantities in various electronic components. The sourcing of these is concentrated in a few countries, raising geopolitical concerns. China is a major supplier.
* Copper, Zinc, and other metals: These are sourced from mines and smelters worldwide, depending on availability and price.
It's impossible to give a precise list of every supplier and their location, as this information is often proprietary and constantly changing based on market fluctuations and supplier relationships. Ford's supplier list is incredibly long and dynamic. Their sustainability reports may offer some aggregated information on material sourcing regions, but detailed specifics are generally kept confidential.
