Crossword Genius

Cross France or Germany (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ford

'cross' is the definition.
(fording is a kind of crossing)

'france or germany' is the wordplay.
'france' becomes 'f'.
'germany' becomes 'd' (international vehicle registration code).
'f'+'or'+'d'='FORD'

(Other definitions for ford that I've seen before include "Ex-president" , "Place to cross river" , "Shallow place for river crossing" , "38th US president, Gerald" , "way for pedestrians" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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