Detroit's Ford Motor Co. chief executive Alan Mulally reportedly will not take a job at software giant Microsoft Corp. and will remain at the US automaker through at least this year.

Reuters, citing Mulally's interview with the Associated Press, said the Ford chief executive wants to end the Microsoft speculation because he has no other plans to do anything other than serve the automaker. Mulally added that investors don't have to worry about him leaving.

Meanwhile, a person close to the matter told Reuters that Mulally is no longer under consideration for the top job at Microsoft.

Ford spokesman Jay Cooney confirmed Mulally's statements. After news of the interview, Fod shares rose 1.3% in extended trade, whilst Microsoft shares fell 1.1%, the report said.

Several prominent Microsoft investors had campaigned behind the scenes for Mulally to succeed Microsoft's retiring CEO Steve Ballmer, Reuters said.

Mulally's candidacy for the job attracted considerable media attention that overshadowed Ford's product-related announcements, such as the roll-out of its new Mustang, the report said.