Ford Hikes Second-Quarter Output 15% in Asia

Ford Motor Co. plans to build 260,000 vehicles in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region in the March-June quarter, up 36,000 units from the same period in 2011.

The company will boost second-quarter North American production 3% to 730,000 cars and light trucks but cut second-quarter output 15% to 370,000 vehicles in Europe and 12% to 115,000 units in South America.

Ford's worldwide production will dip 2% to 1.48 million units in the current quarter.

The company says its production will not be disrupted by a worldwide shortage of a specialty resin used in brake and fuel systems because it previously validated alternative materials it can use.