Ford sees best profit in 13 years

Ford has unveiled its strongest first quarter profits for 13 years, helped by increasing demand for more fuel-efficient cars.

Profits rose to $2.55bn (£1.54bn; 1.75bn euros) in the first quarter of 2011, compared with $2.09bn at the same time the year before.

“Our team delivered a great quarter, with solid growth in all regions,” said Ford president Alan Mulally.

Ford said the 2011 outlook was good despite higher commodity costs.

The firm said it had seen a strong performance in its home North American market as well as “solid improvement” in Europe.

Ford also said that last month’s earthquake in Japan had “minimal” impact on its business.