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August 1, 2007

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Surprise at Ford: Company reports a net profit of $750 Million for second quarter

Ford Motor Company reported a net profit of 31 cents per share, or $750 million, for the second quarter of 2007. This compares with a net loss of 17 cents per share, or $317 million, in the second quarter of 2006.

Ford's second-quarter revenue was $44.2 billion, up from $41.9 billion a year ago. The increase primarily reflected currency exchange, mix and net pricing improvements, partially offset by lower volume.

Special items - which primarily reflected the sale of Aston Martin and the recognition of previously deferred gains on certain hedges at Jaguar and Land Rover - increased pre-tax results by $443 million in the second quarter.

With regard to Jaguar and Land Rover, the company confirmed it is currently exploring in greater detail the potential sale of the combined business and is in discussions with selected parties who have expressed interest. The company also is conducting a strategic review of Volvo that likely will conclude prior to year-end.

Second-quarter and first-half highlights:

  • Strong performance in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey, with five segment winners -Ford Mustang, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ and Mark LT, and Mazda MX-5 Miata - more than any other manufacturer.

  • Ford Edge recognized as "Highest-Ranked Midsize MAV" in the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

  • Fifth consecutive year of improved manufacturing productivity as measured by the Harbour Report North America 2007.

  • Ford Edge the best-selling mid-size crossover in second quarter.

  • Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus X earned five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

  • Ford earned the most Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the company's history, with Ford Edge, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, Lincoln MKX and Mercury Sable taking top honors.

  • Strong Ford Europe sales - up about 5 percent in first half of 2007.

  • Record Land Rover sales - up 8 percent in first half of 2007.

  • Ford China sales up 22 percent in first half of 2007.

  • Achieved $1.1 billion in cost savings in first half 2007, including $600 million in the second quarter.

  • Reduced North America personnel by 6,400 in the second quarter.

  • Completed sale of Automobile Protection Corporation (APCO) and Aston Martin.

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

While Ford North America came up with a pre-tax loss of $279 Million, all other regional units generated significant profits. Troubled Premier Automotive Group (PAG) had to report a $140 Million loss.

On a pre-tax basis, worldwide Automotive sector profits in the second quarter were $378 million. This compares with a pre-tax loss of $716 million during the same period a year ago. The improvements were more than explained by favorable net pricing and cost reductions, partially offset by unfavorable currency exchange.

Vehicle wholesales in the second quarter were 1,773,000, down from 1,806,000 a year ago. Worldwide Automotive revenue for the second quarter was $40.1 billion, up from $37.8 billion in the same period last year. The increase primarily reflected currency exchange, mix and net pricing improvements, partially offset by lower volume.

Automotive gross cash, which includes cash and cash equivalents, net marketable securities, loaned securities and short-term VEBA assets, was $37.4 billion at June 30, 2007, up from $35.2 billion at the end of the first quarter.

Ford North America: In the second quarter, Ford North America reported a pre-tax loss of $279 million, compared with a pre-tax loss of $789 million a year ago. The improvement primarily reflected favorable net pricing and cost reductions, partially offset by lower volume net of mix. Revenue was $18.8 billion, down from $19.1 billion for the same period a year ago.

Ford South America: Ford South America reported a second-quarter pre-tax profit of $255 million, compared with a pre-tax profit of $99 million a year ago. The improvement was primarily explained by favorable net pricing and volume. Second quarter revenue improved to $1.8 billion from $1.3 billion in 2006.

Ford Europe: Ford Europe's second-quarter pre-tax profit was $262 million, compared with a pre-tax profit of $185 million during the same period in 2006. The improvement was more than explained by favorable net pricing and higher volumes, partially offset by higher manufacturing costs, primarily to support increased volumes. During the second quarter of 2007, Ford Europe's revenue was $9.2 billion, compared with $7.5 billion during the second quarter of 2006.

Premier Automotive Group (PAG): PAG reported a pre-tax profit of $140 million for the second quarter, compared with a pre-tax loss of $162 million for the same period in 2006. All PAG brands improved compared with the same period in 2006. The improvement was more than explained by favorable cost performance across all brands, including the non-recurrence of adverse 2006 adjustments to warranty accruals. Favorable net pricing was more than offset by the effect of the continued weakening of the U.S. dollar against key European currencies. Second-quarter 2007 revenue was $8.4 billion, compared with $7.8 billion a year ago.

Ford Asia Pacific and Africa: For the second quarter, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa reported a pre-tax profit of $26 million, compared with a pre-tax profit of $4 million a year ago. The improvement reflected strong cost performance, including restructuring savings, and improved results in China. These factors were partially offset by lower volume and adverse mix, more than explained by Australia and Taiwan, and unfavorable currency exchange. Revenue was $1.7 billion for the second quarter of 2007, compared with $1.8 billion in 2006.

Mazda: For the second quarter, Ford earned $81 million from its investment in Mazda and associated operations, compared with $32 million during the same period a year ago.

Other Automotive: Second-quarter results included a pre-tax loss of $107 million, compared with a loss of $85 million a year ago. The year-over-year decline was more than explained by higher interest expense associated with financing actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2006. This was partially offset by increased interest income.

FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR

For the second quarter, the Financial Services sector earned a pre-tax profit of $105 million, compared with a pre-tax profit of $425 million a year ago.

August 1, 2007


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