Ford's chief executive, Alan Mulally, has denied the group plans to sell British luxury brand Jaguar.

There has been intense speculation over the future of loss-making Jaguar, which is part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group along with Aston Martin, which has officially been put on the auction block.

Mr Mulally insisted at the Detroit motor show that Ford was not seeking buyers for Jaguar, but he left the door open to offloading the business in the future: "Jaguar is not for sale at this time."

Jaguar shut one of its two factories, in Browns Lane, Coventry, two years ago with the loss of some 1,000 jobs. Since then, cost-cutting has reduced losses.

"We really like the progress Jaguar is making, both on the product side and on their quality and productivity," said Mr Mulally. "They are on a really good, positive, business improvement plan."

Ford is cutting 45,000 jobs, mainly in America, to cope with a collapse in demand for its signature pick-up trucks and 4x4 vehicles such as the Explorer.

The company has been criticised for a lack of new models. It wants to reinvigorate interest in its smaller cars by adding new features. The Microsoft device, which is based on Bluetooth technology, will be in new cars from the autumn.

Ford has revamped its Focus model with a streamlined body and has cut 27kg from its weight to make it more fuel efficient.

Another Ford prototype car features a front passenger seat which swivels to face the rear, a cinema-style surround screen and an on-board lava lamp.

The company's chairman, Bill Ford, said the next 12 months would be crucial. "We've had some challenging times lately, but my optimism for Ford is unwavering. 2006 was a difficult year for us. 2007 will be a pivotal one."

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