A MAJOR car brand’s popular model is set to be axed from production after being loved for nearly 30 years.
Fans were devastated to here the classic Ford motor will be scrapped from their line up later this year.
The Ford Focus will be discontinued this year[/caption]
Production will end in November[/caption]
Customers can make their final orders now[/caption]
The US manufacturer is waving goodbye to their beloved Focus in November, as reported by motor1.com.
The move was first announced in 2022, but Ford’s head of Europe Martin Sander doubled down on the decision this month.
He added: “In the long run, we are still deeply convinced that EVs will be the future and we will see a significant increase in volume.
“By the end of this year, we will have a full range of electric vehicles – both in the passenger vehicle sector but also in our commercial vehicle business line – and we are quite flexible to adapt to market demand. For the next couple of years, we have a broad choice.
“Basically, our customers have the power of choice to pick what they want.”
Mr Sander emphasised that the company doesn’t have “any plans to extend Focus production” at its plant in Saarlouis, Germany.
Ford’s European Communications Manager, Finn Thomasen, made the original shock announcement.
Fans still have time to place orders – but the window will close imminently.
It comes as the company hopes to transform the brand into the “Porsche of off-road” and “get out of the boring-car business and into the iconic-vehicle business“, according to CEO Jim Farley.
The Ford Focus was first rolled out in 1998, off the back of their Escort model.
It was one of the last hatchbacks with a manual gearbox.
However, Ford is now placing more efforts on their Mustangs and Broncos to boost profits.
This comes after Ford sales in Europe fell 17 per cent in 2024, the first full year without the Fiesta which was axed in July 2023.
And, the most recent stats aren’t looking too positive either, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
That being said, it is not the end of the line for Ford’s storied range of smaller models.
Bosses have suggested that hatchback EV models are on the way after the launch of a four-strong range of SUVs in the coming years.
This comes as an iconic sports car brand also chopped a new model “due to low demand” – with future plans in doubt.
Maserati has officially axed the upcoming MC20 Folgore.
The iconic Italian sports car manufacturer, which has reportedly been facing concerns over its future due to poor sales, has confirmed that plans to release its electric supercar have been cancelled.
But, in more positive news, a beloved car brand has announced it will bring BACK an electric version of a legendary model.
The motor was discontinued 40 years ago but drivers are thrilled to hear a new model might be hitting the roads soon.
Peugeot suggested reviving the legendary 208 GTi, maintaining its retro feel and honouring its hatch heritage.
When asked about the potential launch, the French carmaker’s new CEO said he’s only a few days into the job but is keen to acknowledge the brand’s roots.
Top boss Alain Favey said: “As you can imagine, being 10 days in the job, this is one I’ve been asking myself very much.
“I’m very, very eager to connect the Peugeot brand and what it stands for to its past, to its heritage, in every sense.
“So we will look back at what the heritage of the brand is, and we will see to what extent this can be adapted to the modern world.
“And there is nothing excluded in our review of this, and certainly not the GTi badge for sure.”
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It comes after the company axed the iconic Fiesta in 2023[/caption]
The Focus was one of the last hatchbacks with a manual gearbox[/caption]
