The company said third quarter pre-tax operating profit for the North American division was US$357-million. That helped the company report an overall operating profit of US$1.1-billion after reporting a loss of almost US$3-billion in the previous yearly quarter.

The U.S. cash for clunkers incentive program was active and extremely popular for about half of Ford's third quarter. While only a very limited "Retire Your Ride" program existed in Canada, Ford offered its own incentives including $1,000 to buyers who turned in a car 15 years or older and up to $3,000 for those who opted for a new truck.

Ford was the only major North American auto producer to decline government bailout money and avoid bankruptcy protection in the past year.