FORD cut its losses in Europe to $3 million (£1.95 million) in the first quarter of the year, compared with a $10 million (£6.5 million) in 1999. Globally the motor manufacturer earned a record $2.1 billion (£1.36 billion) against last year's $2.0 billion (£1.29 billion).

Ford Motor Company president and chief executive officer Jacques Nasser said: 'Our earnings momentum is as strong as ever. We are transforming our car and truck business and we have positioned the company for profitable growth in financial services, automotive consumer services, Hertz and e-business.'