Ford Motor Co. said yesterday that it is targeting the elimination of 1,400 U.S. salaried jobs by year end as part of a multiyear $11 billion restructuring, Reuters reported. The layoffs will be achieved through voluntary buyouts, the U.S. automaker said in an email sent to employees. The buyouts will be offered to employees who are eligible for retirement. Ford has said it was targeting a 10 percent operating margin in North America. Last year, before the coronavirus pandemic hit operations, Ford’s North American operating margin was 6.7 percent. The Dearborn, Mich.-based company previously said it expects a full-year loss because of the pandemic’s impact. It expects a pre-tax profit of between $500 million and $1.5 billion in the third quarter, and a loss in the fourth quarter as it launches several new vehicles.
