Ford meets with parts suppliers

DETROIT, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Top executives from Ford Motor Co. met with automotive parts suppliers as the Detroit automaker prepares to introduce the redesigned F-150 pickup.

The meetings were considered critical as the automaker prepares to take the revamped version of its top seller and rallies suppliers to help ensure smooth production start-ups at two assembly plants this summer, The Detroit News reported Wednesday.

The automaker conducts the supplier session annually during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to strengthen ties with a distressed segment of the auto industry. Parts makers are reeling from lower production volumes and rising commodity prices, the News said.