(MENAFN- AFP) US auto giant Ford's first-quarter profit plunged 39 percent on weaker sales in its key North America market amid severe winter weather.
Net income was $989 million in the first three months of the year, down from $1.6 billion a year ago, the Ford Motor Company said Friday.
Adjusted earnings of 25 cents per share came in six cents below Wall Street expectations.
Revenue edged up to $35.9 billion.
Ford, the second-largest US carmaker, said wholesale auto sales in North America fell two percent in volume and revenue declined five percent.
North America pre-tax profit fell to $1.5 billion, down $892 million from the year-ago record profit.
The decline was in part due to higher costs of $500 million linked to weather-related charges and vehicle recalls.
Global auto sales volume rose six percent and revenue climbed one percent from the 2013 first quarter.
Ford confirmed its 2014 full-year outlook for profit between $7 billion to $8 billion.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based company plans to launch 23 new global vehicles this year.
"We had a solid quarter, and we are on track with our most aggressive product launch schedule in our history," Ford president and chief executive Alan Mulally said in a statement.
Ford shares tumbled 2.3 percent to $15.95 in pre-market trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
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