Ford says it is starting a voluntary buyout plan for three production facilities in Brazil.

The company says the drop in global sales means fewer vehicles made in Latin America's biggest nation are being bought.

Ford is hoping to reduce its Brazilian work force - now at 10,200 - to a level it says will meet the lowered demand of vehicles.

The company did not say in a statement released on Friday how many workers it hopes will take the buyout.

The program will target employees in two plants in Sao Paulo state and one in Bahia state.

Ford Motor Co. in Brazil produces cars, trucks and auto parts.

Brazil's auto industry is dominated by Fiat SpA, Volkswagen AG, General Motors Corp. and Ford.