Ford Motor said yesterday it was reviewing its strategic options for Volvo cars, "including the possible sale" of the lossmaking Swedish premium brand.

The announcement came as Ford was due to submit survival plans to Congress today, alongside General Motors and Chrysler as Detroit's three car companies make their case for $25bn (€19.7bn) of emergency aid. The chief executives of Ford, GM and Chrysler are due to argue for taxpayer-funded bridge finance before a Senate committee on Thursday and a House of Representatives committee on Friday.