'Brit Pack' remedy to cure Ford

AFTER the razzmatazz of the North American Motor Show here, the head of the Ford motor dynasty is looking to Britain to drive the company out of its worst crisis in a decade.

William Clay Ford Jnr is relying on a plan drawn up largely by a 'Brit Pack' of executives to save Ford, which has suffered £1.6bn operating losses in the last three quarters. The outcome of the plan will have major consequences for its suppliers around the world.

Bill Ford, 44, is a great grandson of the company's founder Henry and the first family member to take the helm since 1979. He said the way his UK bosses restructured Ford in Britain and Europe, turning Dagenham in Essex into an engine plant - will form the blueprint for the US. 'The Brit Pack have earned their stripes,' he added.

They are headed by Sir Nick Scheele who oversaw the European shake-up, with Ford of Europe chairman David Thursfield, Joe Greenwell, Bob Dover, Richard Parry-Jones, Dave Szczupak and Martin Leach.

The US solution could cost up to 20,000 jobs and close six factories. Ford said Europe had already taken the tough decisions America is facing. He would consider opening new Ford factories in Britain, which was previously ruled out. 'It would have to be a modern factory, but I have a very open mind on that,' he said. 'Britain has been a great place to do business.'

Ford took over in a coup which saw former chairman Jacques 'Jac the Knife' Nasser ousted amid slumping sales. Ford added: 'The next year is going to be very tough, but I believe we can be extremely profitable again'.

Last year Ford of Britain unveiled record pre-tax losses of £660m. It employs 18,000.