The Auto Writer

A quarterly profit of $100 million isn’t a lot when it comes to building automobiles, but given that this profit took place in one of the worst U.S. economic downturns of the past decade, it is a significant achievement nonetheless. Especially when it is the Ford Motor Company making this announcement.

Fresh on the heels of its late first quarter announcement of the sale of Land Rover and Jaguar, Ford recorded strong sales in two markets, Europe and South America, while losing sales and money in the US. Still, with a cost savings of $1.7 billion thanks to employee buyouts and plant closings, Ford’s new efficiency enabled the company to post its sixth consecutive quarter over quarter improvement.

Ford’s performance in the first quarter bodes well for the company as some of its newest products will not launch until later this year. An all-new Ford F150, the Ford Flex crossover, and the Lincoln MKS sedan will be marketed in the United States and in Canada while the Ford Kuga (small crossover, top) and the Ford Fiesta (second photo) will debut in Europe. The Fiesta will appear on this side of the Atlantic some time in 2009.

© Ford Motor Company