PARIS, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Ford said on Wednesday that the company plans to increase its U.S. vehicle production in the fourth quarter amid stronger than expected industry sales.
Ford, whose family controlled company is in the midst of a wrenching turnaround after losing $5.45 billion last year, announced the increase at an automotive seminar ahead of the Paris Auto show.
Ford did not specify the amount of the increase or to which vehicles it would apply. The company normally uses year-on-year comparisons in its production forecasts.
Automakers generally book earnings on vehicles when they leave the factory, ahead of any retail sales. The company has said it intends to make a modest profit in 2002, and Ford repeated previous guidance that the firm would be profitable in the third quarter.
Ford shares closed at $9.34 on Tuesday in New York trade.