Ford will be raising the prices of its model range from April by an average of 3.75% due to the continued weakness of the pound against the euro.

Nigel Sharp, managing director Ford of Britain, said: “Raising prices in such difficult times may seem counter-intuitive, but as a UK business with so many of our costs priced in Euros, we have no choice if we are to protect jobs and remain viable.

"The Euro has strengthened 30% in the past 18 months and 18% in the last 12 months alone. The weakness of the pound had a huge negative impact, well into nine figures on Ford's UK business in 2008."

Sharp also warned that price-inflationary pressure would continue to be an issue for all UK-based businesses whose costs were incurred in euros until sterling strengthened.

Prices for Ford cars will rise by an average of 3.75%, starting at an extra £50 on a Ford Ka and extending up to £1,000 on a Focus Coupe Cabriolet.