Automotive giant Ford says its worldwide sales rose by around 7.5 per cent during the second quarter of 2004.

Detailing figures which showed its total sales and revenue in the second quarter stood at $42.8 billion, Ford identified some improvements in the motor sector.

Global sales rose to $36.7 billion from $34.1 billion in the same period last year, with worldwide vehicle-unit sales reaching 1,748,000 - up from 1,718,000 a year ago.

The group's European arm performed particularly well, with Ford Europe's sales in the second quarter well above the same figure for 2003.

European sales generated $6.7 billion in this year's second quarter, a sizeable improvement on the $5.2 billion recouped in 2003.

Chief financial officer Don Leclair said that the group was pleased with the "significant progress at Ford Europe" adding that Ford anticipated "achieving our financial milestones in this competitive marketplace".

The news is likely to be well received by analysts seeking evidence of an improvement in the automotive sector, although incentives do cloud the figures.