AUTOMOTIVEDefective Part HaltsFord ShipmentsFord Motor Co. said...

AUTOMOTIVE

Defective Part Halts

Ford Shipments

Ford Motor Co. said it had stopped shipping many of its best-selling sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks to dealers because of a defective part in their four-wheel-drive systems.

Most of the vehicles involved were contained at the plant, Ford spokesman Ed Lewis said. He could not say how many vehicles were affected or when the problem was first detected.

Lewis identified the four-wheel-drive SUVs being held at the plants as the Ford Explorer, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The trucks affected were the Ranger and most versions of the F-Series pickup.

Separately, Ford said it developed a no-emissions version of its Focus small car and plans to start production in 2004. A Focus FCV prototype will be shown next week at the New York International Auto Show, Ford said. The car is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries that are recharged during braking.

Ford shares rose 20 cents to $16.70 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Times Wire Services