Ford’s Investment in Colonial Malaya, 1926-1957

Abstract:     
The corporate history of Ford in Malaya from 1926 to 1957 reveals Ford Canada’s global strategy to tap new British colonial markets. A combination of factors motivated Ford Canada to set up a subsidiary in Malaya, whose subsequent domestic sales and marketing success depended on maintaining mutually beneficial relations with the local merchant firms and Chinese entrepreneurs. After it was directed by the parent company to restructure its operations, Ford Canada imposed tight control on its own local operations to ensure that it could meet evolving consumer demands in Malaya and across the wider region. However, the company was careful to maintain its ties with these marketing and networking channels.

Keywords: Ford, Malaya, Malaysia, Automobiles, Ford Canada, Colonial Markets, Chinese Entrepreneurs

JEL Classification: L62, L92, N65, N75, N85

Accepted Paper Series