Ford might keep some plants in exchange for other savings

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. might save some of the six plants it intends to close if it can get other cost savings from the United Auto Workers union in their new contract, people briefed on the ongoing negotiations said Monday.

The people said the fate of the plants is one of many issues still on the table in the talks. The y spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are private.

The UAW is turning its attention to Ford this week after workers at Chrysler LLC narrowly approved a new four-year contract in voting that concluded over the weekend. General Motors Corp. workers approved a similar agreement earlier this month.

The UAW's contracts with all three automakers were scheduled to expire Sept. 14 but were extended as talks progressed.