Alan Mulally rules out joining Microsoft

Ford's Chief Executive Alan Mulally said he will not be leaving the US car-maker to join Microsoft. There had been reports that Mulally was one of candidates shortlisted to replace Microsoft's outgoing chief executive Steve Ballmer.

Ballmer said in August that he would leave the firm within 12 months.

Mulally, who is credited with reviving Ford, said he will not leave the car-maker before the end of this year.

"I would like to end the Microsoft speculation because I have no plans to do anything other than serve Ford," Mulally said.

"You don't have to worry about me leaving," he said.

Mulally did not confirm if he had held any discussions with Microsoft about the job, but said the ongoing speculation was a distraction for Ford.

Mullay's comments came as the car-maker was looking to build on its recent success.

Last year was one of the most profitable in Ford's history and the company expects to make about $8.5 billion (£5.2 billion).

This year, the car-maker is embarking on its most aggressive product launch schedule in its history.

Ford will launch 23 all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles around the world this year, more than double the global vehicle launches last year.

BBC