Ford's second quarter profit falls after poor US and China returns

Ford Motor Company's second quarter results failed to reach the projections given by analyst estimates, as the company's shares fell almost 7% to $12.88 in premarket trading.

Earnings for the latest quarter fell to $1.97 bn, or 49 cents a share, from $2.16 bn, or 54 cents a share, in the same period a year ago.

Good results in Europe and South America were countered by weak showings in the US and China, as the car industry continues to remain cautious in times of political and economic uncertainty.

Revenue rose 6% to $39.5 bn, topping expectations for the quarter, as the company sold 1.7 million cars in the period to July.

"We remain committed to delivering another full year of strong profitability, even as we address some new risks and market challenges around the world," said Chief Executive Mark Fields.