Ford profits up, even when the market is down.

In a surprising turn, Ford Motor Company has posted a stunning third-quarter profit - despite the recession.

The only Big Three automaker that did not ask for the US government's TARP bailout funds, Ford Motor Company reported - on Nov 2009 - a net income of US$997 million in the third quarter as strong new products, among other factors, lifted the company's results despite continued weak global economic conditions. This is a US$1.2 billion improvement compared with the same period last year.

The company also reported a pre-tax operating profit totaling US$1.1 billion, an improvement of US$3.9 billion from a year ago.

"Our third quarter results clearly show that Ford is making tremendous progress despite the prolonged slump in the global economy," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Our solid product lineup is leading the way in all markets".

Indeed, Ford has seen increased demand for its vehicles, especially in Asia, a region where Japanese makes have traditionally been wildly popular. Record growth in China continued as Ford third quarter sales jumped 63 percent.

In September, the new Ford Fiesta also had its best sales month ever in China. This popular car has also been successfully launched in Taiwan and Singapore. As proof of the car's popularity, 470,000 Fiestas have been sold worldwide sonce its launch.

The reason behind Ford's increasing popularity is simple. "Consumer demand for our new high-quality, fuel-efficient products is driving Ford's market share gains," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president.

Despite the severe global downturn, Ford will continue to make progress, especially when it comes to restructuring according to changing demands, and the development of new products you will want and value.