DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Ford Motor Credit Co. said Thursday it will cut its North American salaried payroll by 2,000 people.
Currently, about 8,600 employees work in Ford Motor Credit offices in the U.S. and Canada.
"Personnel reductions will be achieved through attrition, early retirements, voluntary separations and, if necessary, involuntary separations," the company's news release said.
Ford Motor Credit will consolidate its remaining 59 U.S. branches into six existing service centers, creating new business centers that will manage originations, dealer credit and wholesale operations in addition to servicing functions.
Sales employees who work directly with dealers will remain in local markets to maintain and enhance their strong dealer connections. Completion of the branch consolidation is expected by the end of 2007.
A similar structure is being considered for Ford Motor Credit's operations in Canada, which has seven branches and one service center.
