Ford becomes latest corporation to sever ties with conservative Alec lobby

Automaker tells watchdog it will not take part this year in the American Legislative Exchange Council, which fights environmental regulations

Ford has cut ties with the controversial lobby group Alec, joining a roster of big corporations that have distanced themselves from the rightwing network that promotes policies at the state level to counter environmental regulations.

The car giant confirmed to the watchdog the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) that it had ended its membership. A company spokesman said that "we will not be participating in Alec in 2016".