本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛WASHINGTON (AP) — Ford Motor Co. shares took a hit yesterday following an analyst downgrade, while the auto maker announced it's working on a remedy for a truck engine defect and the U.S. government opened four defect investigations into the Ford Focus.
Two investigations involve possible air bag malfunctions, while the others were prompted by reports the rear wheel bearings could fail and the engine could catch fire.
It's unusual for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct four simultaneous investigations into one vehicle.
In another rare move, Prudential Securities cut Ford Motor Co.'s rating to sell from hold, citing rising truck costs and flat pricing.
Prudential analyst Michael Bruynesteyn lowered the rating after Ford said last week that prices on its Expedition sport-utility vehicle will be flat with last year, even though it will cost it more to make the vehicle. Ford also said costs will rise on its popular F-Series pickup trucks.
Meanwhile, the auto maker announced that it is working on a remedy for an engine defect that is causing oil leaks in some 5.4-litre V8 truck engines, primarily in F-Series pickups from the 1999 model year, Ford spokesperson Todd Nissen said. The affected engines also are installed in some Ford Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators and Econoline vans.
Nissen declined to comment on the number of vehicles in the United States and Canada that may be affected by the defect or estimate how much repairs and replacements could cost.
Earlier in the year, Ford announced that its F-series pickup trucks were the best-selling vehicle in the United States in 2001 for the 20th straight year.
Ford shares fell 76 cents (U.S.) to $15.73 yesterday on the New York Stock Exchange.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
Two investigations involve possible air bag malfunctions, while the others were prompted by reports the rear wheel bearings could fail and the engine could catch fire.
It's unusual for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct four simultaneous investigations into one vehicle.
In another rare move, Prudential Securities cut Ford Motor Co.'s rating to sell from hold, citing rising truck costs and flat pricing.
Prudential analyst Michael Bruynesteyn lowered the rating after Ford said last week that prices on its Expedition sport-utility vehicle will be flat with last year, even though it will cost it more to make the vehicle. Ford also said costs will rise on its popular F-Series pickup trucks.
Meanwhile, the auto maker announced that it is working on a remedy for an engine defect that is causing oil leaks in some 5.4-litre V8 truck engines, primarily in F-Series pickups from the 1999 model year, Ford spokesperson Todd Nissen said. The affected engines also are installed in some Ford Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators and Econoline vans.
Nissen declined to comment on the number of vehicles in the United States and Canada that may be affected by the defect or estimate how much repairs and replacements could cost.
Earlier in the year, Ford announced that its F-series pickup trucks were the best-selling vehicle in the United States in 2001 for the 20th straight year.
Ford shares fell 76 cents (U.S.) to $15.73 yesterday on the New York Stock Exchange.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net