Ford's CEO Tells Bloomberg Why He Is Expecting 'Another Outstanding Year'

Shares of

gained more than 3 percent on Thursday after the company delivered a top-and-bottom line beat in its first quarter print. Related Link:

Speaking to

, Ford's CEO Mark Fields said the company is on track for "another outstanding year." Fields pointed out that Ford grew its top-and-bottom line in the most recent quarter in addition to a record profit in North America and the best quarter in Europe since 2008. Accordingly, the company reaffirmed its guidance for the full year which is expected to be "as good if not better than our record year last year with continued strength into 2017." Fields continued that there is an ongoing global trend in which consumers are shifting away from passenger cars to small, medium and large-sized utilities. He added that the company is "uniquely positioned" to satisfy the change in demand given Ford's diverse product line and attractive brand image.