Canada was the first country outside the United States to manufacture or assemble the Ford Model T. Ford’s Canadian operation built Ts at Walkerville, Ontario, near Windsor, beginning in 1909.
The location was significant because Ford of Canada had already been established in Walkerville in 1904. Its early work included other Ford models, but the Model T quickly became central to the plant’s business after the car’s American introduction in 1908. Canadian production helped Ford avoid shipping complete vehicles and served a growing market close to Detroit.
The word “manufacture” can hide an important detail. Early overseas Model Ts were commonly assembled from completely knocked-down kits shipped from Ford plants in the United States, with local bodies and other components added. Canadian production became more self-sufficient over time.
England followed with Model T production at Trafford Park in Manchester, beginning in 1911. Canada is nevertheless the answer because its Walkerville operation was already producing Model Ts in 1909. Later, Ford assembled the car in countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific.