Automaker Ford could cut car production in the face of worsening fears over the state of the global economy, it has been reported.

Alan Mulally, Chief Executive of Ford, has admitted he was concerned about how economic woes might hit demand for cars next year.

As a result, the firm will assess demand throughout the year and if necessary will scale back its production volumes accordingly, he told delegates at a dinner before the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

He explained: "For us, any slowdown in the economy - the housing industry, financing of vehicles, tightening of credit, housing starts - it puts a lot of pressure on consumer confidence to big-ticket items.

"No matter what happens, we'll keep making adjustments to production. Every month, we're going to look at the market, and see what level demand is."

News of Mr Mulally's comments come as recent figures showed Ford's sales in the US market dipped by three per cent last year, taking the number of vehicles sold to 16.14 million - the lowest figure since 1998.

Source:

Ford vow to make cuts needed to be profitable, 10/10/08
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22574385/

US economy a worry for Ford boss, 10/10/08
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7178540.stm

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