A Ford representative announced a new strategy for the European market, which includes the return of models well-known to buyers on the Old Continent. We are talking about a possible revival of the iconic Ford Fiesta and Focus for Europe, and both new models will be adapted to current market trends, in particular electrification.
A few years ago, many experts believed that the current Focus would be the last in its line. This is due to the fact that Ford's American division stopped selling Focus back in 2018, and European production is planned to end by the end of 2025. However, the demand for the model is still high, and dealers in Europe have repeatedly appealed to the management with a request to find a worthy replacement or return the Focus to a new generation.
The situation is similar with the Fiesta. Production of this model in the US was stopped after the 2019 model year, while in Europe the compact hatchback is on hold until 2023, giving way to crossovers and electric cars in production plans. However, according to information from Automobilwoche, Ford is seriously considering the possibility of returning the Fiesta to the market, as the city car segment, despite the trend towards SUVs, remains relevant.
Christoph Herr, head of Ford Customer Service Department (FCSD) for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, confirmed at a recent meeting with European dealers that the company's management has already approved investments in new generations of models with different types of powertrains. This applies to both hybrids and fully electric options. Herr noted that some of Ford's new models will be developed in collaboration with partners, among which the use of the Volkswagen MEB platform has already been confirmed.
This platform is already the basis for the new European Ford Explorer and Capri models, which are already on the market. According to preliminary data, the latest versions of the Fiesta and Focus may be based on a reduced version of the same MEB platform, which will also be used for the Volkswagen ID.1 and ID.2 in the future. This will allow Ford to quickly and cost-effectively create competitive electric vehicles for the mass segment.
Specific dates for the return of the Focus and Fiesta have not yet been announced, but according to internal documents and company representatives, the new models are planned to be released towards the end of 2027. At the same time, Ford will not completely abandon hybrid technologies. Hybrid versions are expected to become an important part of the offer, along with fully electric modifications.
It is also reported that the production of future models will be carried out in Europe, which will allow Ford to reduce logistics costs and respond more quickly to the needs of the local market. This decision is important given the growing competition from Chinese brands and European startups that are actively conquering the segment of budget electric vehicles.