Sale of luxury brands could give Ford breathing room: analysts

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

DETROIT (AFP) — A move by Ford Motor Co. to sell off its European luxury brands could give the US auto giant breathing room as it tries to reorganize its struggling North America operations, analysts said Tuesday.

At the same time, some industry watchers said, the notion of selling the company's Premier Automotive Group of foreign brands could be a sign of deeper financial woes for the Detroit icon.

Ford spokesman John Gardiner said Tuesday the company was "actively" studying options that could include the sale of its legendary British nameplates Jaguar and Land Rover as part of a companywide strategic review.

"We're working with our financial advisors to determine the best future for Jaguar-Land Rover," Gardiner told AFP.

Gardiner said there were no...