US auto giant Ford has unveiled its strongest first quarter profits for 13 years, helped by increasing demand for more fuel-efficient cars.

Profits rose to $2.55bn in the first three months of 2011, compared with $2.09bn at the same period the year before.

“Our team delivered a great quarter, with solid growth in all regions,” said Ford president Alan Mulally.

Ford said the 2011 outlook was good, despite higher commodity costs.

Revenue for the first quarter was $33.1bn, up from $28.1bn a year earlier.

The firm said it had seen a strong performance in its home North American market, as well as “solid improvement” in Europe.