Ford will cut its production of large trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs), to produce more fuel-efficient models.

The move comes as a result of the economic crisis in the US that has slowed sales and increased fuel prices.

It has also deterred consumers from buying bigger vehicles and Ford has already predicted that it will make a loss this year and it expects it to be tough to break even in 2009.

Alan Mulally, President and Chief Executive of the firm, said that demand for the large trucks and SUVs were at "the lowest levels in decades".

In addition, the firm has also delayed the launch of its latest truck - the F-150 pick-up - because of the economic crisis.

It will now go on sale in the autumn of next year.

In the meantime, the firm is set to focus on a move to lower-emissions vehicles that are becoming more popular.

"We view the move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles as permanent, and we are responding to customer demand," Mr Mulally explained.



Source:

Ford 'to make fewer big vehicles', 20/6/08

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7466824.stm