Ford said Friday it plans to hire 2,200 engineers, computer programmers and other white-collar workers this year as demand for its vehicles in the U.S. grows.

The 2,200 would represent the highest number of salaried workers the automaker has hired in more than 10 years.

Ford has a strong presence in Southwest Ohio, where it employs nearly 1,700 at a transmission plant in Sharonville. Ford also has numerous suppliers throughout the state.

The hiring is in addition to the 8,100 combined hourly and salaried jobs Ford added to its workforce in 2012 as it increased production and introduced new cars. U.S. car and truck sales rose 13 percent to 14.5 million in 2012, the highest level in five years.

Ford will use social media to find tech-savvy candidates. It’s also stepping up recruitment of military veterans.

All salaried job openings at Ford are posted on the Ford Careers website at www.careers.ford.com.

Ford’s announcement Friday follow Honda’s plans to create 50 new jobs at its Marysville plant when it starts building the new hybrid Accord sedan there later this year.

Nissan also announced it will hire 400 people by the end of the next year to make the Murano crossover car in Mississippi.

Ford on Thursday increased its quarterly dividend to 10 cents a share. The dividend will be payable March 1, the automaker said.

Shares of Ford closed Friday at $14, up 17 cents.