The iconic Ford Focus is nearing the end of its illustrious run. Despite potentially pushing back its goal of achieving an all-electric market in Europe by 2030, the company has no intention of reintroducing gas-powered compact vehicles as part of its strategy.
Ford reaffirms plans to discontinue Focus in US market.
The production of the current Ford Focus model equipped with a gasoline-powered engine is poised to cease within the next 12 months. Ford will not extend production of Focus beyond current plans, despite the European Union’s decision to lengthen its timeline for achieving zero-emission targets.
Ford announced last year that it was phasing out production of the Focus, a model built exclusively at its Saarlouis plant in Germany.
Vice Chairman of Production for Ford Europe, Kieran Cahill, stated that their plans are already in place, adding that increasing them would not be effective.
When its operations cease in November 2025, approximately one-fifth of the manufacturing facility’s workforce – roughly 1,000 employees out of a total of 4,500 staff – will remain at the site. As part of the ongoing efforts, the reduced workforce will be tasked with identifying suitable companies to partner with in various Ford regions, ensuring a seamless continuation of operations until at least late 2032 when the plant’s closure is expected.
Ford’s production of the Focus was suspended in March, as suppliers prepared to offer severance packages comparable to those granted to plant employees.
Ford has accelerated the timeline for fully electrifying its European fleet, now targeting 2035 instead of the previously announced 2030 deadline.
According to Anna Strigel, Ford Model E’s director of sales, “The pace of electric vehicle transformation has proven slower than expected, rendering 2030 no longer a feasible timeline for passenger autos.”
Ford has been actively endeavouring to increase visibility and promote its manufacturing facility. In the final year, rumors emerged about China’s BYD potentially entering the market, but these plans were quickly dismissed shortly after.
While production levels are currently being increased at various Ford plants across Europe. Ford’s first electric Explorer rolled off the production line at its new Cologne, Germany plant last week.
Ford is reportedly poised to unveil a brand-new electric crossover in the near future, which is expected to take the form of an electrified Capri. The forthcoming Ford EV crossover may share a common foundation with Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform, which also supports the electric-powered Ford Explorer.
Ford CEO Jim Farley recently reiterated the company’s pivot towards affordable electric vehicles, following China’s successful foray into the electric car market.
