Ford confirms plans to axe Focus model in heartbreaking update for one of Britain’s most popular cars
Ford will end production of the iconic Focus in November this year, 27 years after the family hatchback was first launched in 1998.
The decision marks the end of a car that has been a fixture on UK roads for almost three decades, with the iconic model still being seen across the country today.
News of the Focus’s demise follows Ford’s axing of the Mondeo in 2022 and the Fiesta in 2023.
The move comes as the American manufacturer shifts its attention towards electric vehicles in Europe, headlined by the Explorer SUV and Capri coupé-SUV.
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Every generation of the Focus has been manufactured at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany, which has been making cars since 1970.
The facility also produced the Escort and other classic Ford models over the years, with production expected to end in November.
Ford has indicated the Saarlouis facility will be repurposed, though specific plans remain unclear.
The Focus is the latest casualty in Ford’s changing product strategy, following the discontinuation of the long-serving Mondeo and Fiesta.
The company recently announced additional job cuts due to concerns about the health of its passenger car business.
This restructuring reflects the challenges Ford faces as it transitions from traditional combustion engines to electric powertrains.
A spokesperson for Ford said: “The Focus has been an important part of the Ford family in Europe for over 20 years, and we are deeply grateful for the loyalty and passion our customers have shown for this iconic vehicle.
“We remain committed to serving our Focus customers with ongoing service, parts, and support,” Auto Express reported.
This commitment ensures that the thousands of Focus owners across Britain will continue to have their maintenance needs met.
Ford is still taking orders for the Focus with prices starting from £28,500 for the hatchback model and £29,660 for the estate version.
Performance enthusiasts can still order the Ford Focus ST hot hatch, priced from £37,705.
While Ford has not announced a direct successor to the Focus, the company is reportedly developing smaller, more affordable electric vehicles.
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Industry observers speculate that these future models could potentially revive the Focus name.
So far this year, Ford has sold 11,069 cars in the UK, enough for just under five per cent of the total market share, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Despite this, Ford has seen a staggering 29.78 per cent drop in sales compared to the same time last year, when it sold 15,541 cars for a market share of 6.82 per cent.