From CP Online

DEARBORN, MI — Ford Motor Co. said today it lost $2.7 billion in the fourth quarter and $2.8 billion for the year as gains in worldwide markets outside the United States were dragged down by continued weakness in North America.

Ford lost $1.30 per share in the fourth quarter, narrower than a loss of $5.6 billion, or $2.98 per share, in 2006. The full-year results, which resulted in a loss of $1.35 per share, were significantly better than 2006, when Ford lost $12.6 billion, or $6.72 per share.

Dearborn, MI-based Ford reported revenue of $44.1 billion for the fourth quarter, up from $40.3 billion in the year-ago quarter. The company reported full-year revenues of $172.5 billion, up from $160.1 billion in 2006.

Excluding special items, Ford lost 20 cents a share for the quarter and 19 cents per share for the year, in line with Wall Street’s expectations. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had predicted a loss of 19 cents per share for the quarter and 17 cents per share for the year.

Special items for the year included a $705 million charge for separation programs in North America and a $208 million gain from the sale of Aston Martin.

Copyright The Canadian Press, 2008