Ford Automaker's Century-Long Sojourn in Mexico

Ford's 1925 Mexican Arrival and Subsequent Establishment in Mexico City's San Lazaro: An Overview of the Project, Visits, and Assistance Received. Initially, tires were inflated using bicycle pumps, fuel was poured into carburetors naturally, and ascending steep hills required driving in reverse.

, and ASMedia

2025 May 28 . 2:20 AM

2 min read

In 1925, Henry Ford established his residence in Mexico City's San Lazaro district. A retrospective... — In 1925, Henry Ford established his residence in Mexico City's San Lazaro district. A retrospective examination of the initiative, visits, and support Ford received is presented here. With bicycle pumps serving as tire inflators, gasoline flowing into the carburetor naturally, and steep inclines tackled by driving in reverse, this account offers an insightful glance into Ford's early days in Mexico.

Ford Automaker's Century-Long Sojourn in Mexico

Mexico's Automotive Journey Begins in 1925 with the Inauguration of Ford's First Plant in Mexico City

The inception of Mexico's significant role as a car producer dates back to 1925, marking the country's entry into the automotive era. This transformative event was marked by the arrival of the first automotive plant in Mexico City, established by Ford of Mexico.

On June 23, 1925, the Ford Motor Company, S.A., formally set its roots, with Edsel B. Ford as the president and engineer Adrián R. Lajous as Director Gerente. Located in San Lázaro, the plant was strategically situated near the railway station, facilitating the transportation of parts and materials for its operation.

Engineer Adrián R. Lajous, who spearheaded the negotiations for the plant's establishment, revealed that Henry Ford had shown interest in Mexico for over a decade. The company's entry into Mexico was carefully planned and involved sending personnel to survey the country's conditions, as well as establishing contacts with local officials.

The new plant, equipped to manufacture 25 vehicles a day, initially focused on assembling vehicles from pre-assembled engines and chassis imported from the United States. The vehicles were not equipped with fuel pumps, and they relied on gravity to transfer fuel from the tank to the carburetor. Reverse gear was stronger than the forward gears, making it necessary for vehicles to climb steep hills in reverse.

In the following years, the increasing demand for automobiles necessitated the expansion of the plant. By 1932, the San Lázaro plant was replaced by a larger and more modern one, known as the La Villa plant, located on Calzada de Guadalupe and Henry Ford Avenue.

The establishment of Ford Motor Company's first plant in Mexico City paved the way for Mexico's significant role in the automotive industry. Today, the company's presence in Mexico remains robust, with operations in Cuautitlán along the Mexico-Querétaro highway.

[1] Data source: Our website's newspaper archive, 60 years of Ford in Mexico - Graphic Narrative.

The Ford Motor Company, thus deeply rooted in Mexico since 1925, could envision expanding beyond automobiles in future endeavors, perhaps delving into sectors like sports, such as American football, given their success in the NFL and the ever-growing popularity of the sport across the globe.
During the company's annual general meeting, held in a large auditorium in Cuautitlán, the CEO proposed the formation of a recreational team for the employees, encouraging camaraderie among the workforce and fostering a healthy team spirit, reminiscent of sports like football, even outside of work.