Ford boss Jac Nasser, speaking at the Detroit motor show, said it was "very unlikely" that the carmaker would ever build models again in the UK.

Ford car production in the UK ends next year, after 70 years, when Fiesta, built at Dagenham, moves to Germany. The plant will now concentrate on engine building. Transit vans, however, will continue to be produced in Southampton.

Mr Nasser said: "It is very unlikely that cars bearing the Ford badge will ever again be built in Britain.

"We have made our main structural announcement, but there is probably more pain to come."

Cost issues, efficiency and rationalisation were behind the decision to cease car production at Dagenham, said Mr Nasser.