Ford posted Q3 2009 net profits of £609m yesterday, a swing from a £98m loss in Q3 2008.

The carmaker achieved the result despite a £488m drop in revenues, as it lopped £611m off its costs in the quarter and benefitted from the US cash for clunkers scheme.

Ford said it now expects to be "solidly profitable" in 2011. It had previously said it expected to be at breakeven or better.

In Europe, operating profits rose to £118m from £42m a year ago despite a 22% drop in sales.