Ford curbs truck output in shift to more fuel-efficient cars

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

CHICAGO (AFP) — Ford Motor Co. announced plans Friday to cut back further on North American production of big trucks and sport utility vehicles to adapt to a consumer shift to more fuel-efficient cars.

The sputtering US automaker said its move "responds to the continued deterioration in the US business environment and the accelerated shift away from large trucks and SUVs."

"As gasoline prices average more than four dollars a gallon (3.78 liters) and consumers worry about the weak US economy, we see June industry-wide auto sales slowing further and demand for large trucks and SUVs at one of the lowest levels in decades," said Ford president and chief executive Alan Mulally.

"Ford has taken decisive action to respond to this accelerating shift in customer...