Posted on: Saturday, October 20, 2001

Automaker ends free computer handout

Associated Press

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. pulled the plug yesterday on its plan to give all employees a free home computer, citing the sluggish economy.

Employees had received a computer and printer free and Internet access for $5 a month.

"This is one of those programs that came under scrutiny for cost-cutting," Ford spokesman Peter Olsen said. "The economy is radically different than when we first started the program."

About 166,000 computers were distributed since the program began 20 months ago, Olsen said. Ford employs about 250,000 people worldwide.

Employees who already have computers and printers will be able to keep them, and their Internet service will not be affected, he said.

In other cost-cutting, the automaker has reduced production and plans to eliminate thousands of white-collar jobs by year's end.