04/11/2008 10:13. For many years Fords sales performance in the United States has been linked closely with its top-selling pickup truck and SUV lines, but with demand for such vehicles continuing to slide the Blue Oval has acknowledged that its future lineup will have to feature much more small cars. Fortunately, Fords European division has been successfully selling small cars for almost as long as Ford in the U.S. has been selling pickups.

The carmakers CEO Alan Mulally has now reaffirmed plans to continue with development for a new-generation of Ford small cars destined for U.S. consumption , despite high fuel prices starting to recede.

Fuel "prices are going to stay relatively higher, even though they're down right now," Mulally told Automotive News last week. "The most important thing we can... // Motor Authority