LONDON — Ford will not follow Japanese automakers Subaru and Suzuki out of the World Rally Championship because of the global economic crisis, the U.S. car company said Wednesday.
The departures of Subaru and Suzuki leave Citroen and Ford as the only manufacturers in the competition next season.
Despite the slump in the U.S. auto industry, Ford — the 2006 and ‘07 rally champion — reaffirmed its commitment to the sport.
“It provides a big impetus to our product reputation and sales, especially for the Focus,” Ford said in a statement. “For Ford to demonstrate our products in a successful way, on a global basis via television and the internet, through involvement in the World Rally Championship represents good value.
“The WRC continues to represent the pinnacle of our motorsport ladder of opportunity, incorporating the highly successful Fiesta ST championships.”
Ford’s rally drivers are Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala, both of Finland.
Ford’s sales slumped 31 percent in November when compared with the same month last year, and the company is seeking a credit line of $9 billion from the U.S. government.
The financial downturn has also led Honda, Japan’s second biggest car manufacturer, to withdraw from Formula One racing.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
