Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker Ford Motor Co.'s (Ford's) solid performance in North America continues to support good overall automotive cash flow and profitability, and we believe that the company's credit measures will approach our expectations for the 'BBB-' rating over the next year or so. We believe prospects for diversifying profits are improving due to recent sales gains in China and restructuring actions and retail market share expansion in Europe, which we expect will support eventual profitability. We are raising our ratings on Ford, including the corporate credit rating to 'BBB-' from 'BB+', and revising the outlook to stable from positive. (Watch the related CreditMatters TV segment titled, "What Fueled Standard&Poor?s Rating Actions On Ford And General Motors," dated
