UPDATE 1-Ford says US fuel economy plan would cause automaker ‘economic hardship’

Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday a proposal by President Joe Biden's administration to hike vehicle fuel economy standards through 2032 threatens to cause "substantial economic hardship" for the No. 2 U.S. automaker. Ford's comments represent the latest attack by the auto industry on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposal announced in July to increase vehicle fuel efficiency requirements by 2% per year for passenger cars and 4% per year for pickup trucks and SUVs from 2027 through 2032.