Ford weighs car exports from U.S. - CEO in paper

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.reuters.com/article/companyNewsAndPR/idUSL229405320091102

Mon Nov 2, 2009 4:18am EST

FRANKFURT, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co (F.N) is considering exporting cars made in the United States as a way to exploit its manufacturing flexibility, global vehicle platforms and the weak dollar, industry paper Automotive News reported on Monday.

"It's all a business decision, and it's part of our plan to be flexible and be able to move up and down much easier, which allows us to support different markets," it quoted Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally as saying in an interview.

It quoted sources as saying a plan was forming to export the Kuga crossover model from a U.S. production site.

Automotive News said the Kuga is now assembled in Germany for sale in Europe. In late 2011, Ford plans to start assembly of the next generation of the vehicle in Kentucky. It will replace the Escape crossover.

In addition to the U.S. models, Ford is expected to build European-specification Kugas in Kentucky for export, it quoted the sources as saying.