29/11/2008 03:06. He reiterated Ford's claim that it was committed to a long-term future in the city but added the only way he could see that being possible was by slashing output from 75,000 vehicles to just 35,000 chassis cabs and exporting production of the iconic Transit to Turkey.

He went on to say the retooling costs were high, the factory was running at a loss and things were made worse by the global downturn.

Liberal Democrat MP for Romsey, Sandra Gidley, said: "I was surprised at how direct he was and he told us that company could not expect anything more from the Southampton workers whose hard work they valued.

"We now have a much better understanding with Ford and the bosses know that we will do whatever we can to save jobs. He said the figures on job losses were being worked out but they... // Southern Daily Echo