The $770 million loss compared with net earnings a year earlier of $16.1 million.

The loss compares with a profit of £1.2m the previous year.

The loss compares with a $12.3 million loss in the quarter last year.

The loss for the quarter compares with a profit of $168.8 million, or $1.32 a share, a year earlier.

The loss for the year compares with a profit of $750.6 million, or $5.91 a share, in 1990.

The loss compares with a profit of $11.6 million, or 58 cents a share, in the corresponding period a year earlier.

Ford's $884 million loss compared with a profit of $506 million, or $1.10 a share, a year earlier.

The loss compares with net income of $134.4 million, or 92 cents a share, in the quarter a year earlier.

The loss compares with a $21 million profit for the corresponding quarter a year earlier.

Wimpey's loss before tax compared with a deficit of £16.1 million in 1991.