The fourth-quarter loss compared with a net profit of $1.1 billion in the same period a year earlier. Ford posted its first annual loss since 1992 due to problems including the Firestone tire crisis, recalls and a heated incentive war amid the U.S. economic recession.
Ford's financial results included an after-tax charge of $4.1 billion against fourth-quarter results in connection with the restructuring plan . Additionally, there was a $102 million noncash charge for a change in accounting standards.
Ford's total sales and revenues in the fourth quarter fell 3% to $41.15 billion from $42.59 billion in the same quarter a year earlier.
In contrast, General Motors reported fourth-quarter earnings of 60 cents per share on Wednesday, reflecting stronger-then-expected U.S. vehicle sales, though its fourth-quarter results were down 58%.
With its fourth-quarter results, Ford posted a full-year net loss of $5.45 billion, its first annual loss since 1992. Just two years ago, it reported a net profit of $3.5 billion.
