Thunderbird/Cougar Seats by Ferro

Johnson Controls’ Ferro Division receives Ford contract for T-Bird seat tracks

July 10, 1986 (PD: 201407)

 

The July 10, 1986 issue of Briefing (a Johnson Controls newsletter) reported that the Ford Motor Company had chosen Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Group’s Ferro Automotive Division to supply power seat tracks for their 1989 Thunderbird/Cougar and a new luxury vehicle. Ferro was to design and manufacture the lightweight, low-cost, state-of-the-art tracks, which were to provide maximum foot room for rear seat passengers and smooth operation.

Ferro, which had a 70-year history in the automotive parts business, was acquired by Johnson Controls in July 1985 for $98 million.  Although Ferro manufactured gear motors and aerospace components, its primary business was automotive seating parts.  Johnson Controls purchased Ferro for its expertise in adjustment and reclining mechanisms, which would help further Johnson’s position as a supplier of complete automotive seating – a field that Johnson had entered earlier in 1985 with its purchase of Hoover Universal.