In 1895 Austro-Hungarian citizen Oscar Freivirt got permission from the Russian Emperor to establish a train carriage factory in Riga (Rīgas Vagonbūves Rūpnīca).

According to contract, Ford Motor company granted car assembly concession to Vairogs factory in Riga.

After World War II started in September 1939, Ford-Vairogs production numbers declined due to the wartime difficulties with engine and other part supplies.

[2] The cars made were: In 1937 Vairogs bought out Sellier & Bellot's satellite ammunition plant in Riga.

After the war Vairogs was renamed Rīgas Vagonbūves Rūpnīca ("Riga Train-car Factory") and went back to manufacturing train cars.