Ford has finally discontinued the legendary Focus: what models will replace it
18 November 11:58
American auto giant Ford has officially discontinued production of the Focus model, which has remained one of the most popular cars in the world for almost three decades and is especially popular among Ukrainian drivers. This is reported by Autocar, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
The last car rolled off the assembly line on November 15.
The Focus has been produced for 27 years and has sold about 12 million cars, making it a cult model in the compact family car segment.
Why Ford discontinued the Focus model
The decision to discontinue the Focus was made back in 2022. It is related to Ford’s strategic plan to accelerate the transition of its European lineup to electric vehicles.
In fact, the Focus will be replaced by two new electric models:
- Ford Explorer EV
- Ford Capri EV.
Both electric crossovers are built on the MEB platform from the Volkswagen Group and are similar in size to the Focus.
What will happen to the Saarlouis plant
The discontinuation of Focus production means that the Saarlouis plant no longer produces any models.
Ford has previously stated that it has no plans to launch new production there, and the company has not yet found a buyer for the facility.
Thus, the future of the plant remains uncertain.
What model will replace the Focus
Although the Focus is officially discontinued, Autocar reports that the company is already working on a new midsize crossover to fill the void in the lineup.
- Launch date: 2027
- Transmissions: hybrid and electric versions
- The model will not replace the Ford Kuga but will be sold alongside it.
This means that Ford is forming a new model lineup architecture, where crossovers and electric vehicles become the foundation.
How the disappearance of Focus and Fiesta changed Ford’s position in Europe
The closure of two mass-market models, the Focus and Fiesta (which was discontinued in 2023), has had a significant impact on Ford’s share of the European market.
According to ACEA:
- in 2015, Ford was No. 2 in Europe,
- in 2024 – already No. 12,
- the brand’s market share has almost halved.
The loss of affordable hatchbacks has changed the company’s sales structure and positioning.
Ford is preparing a plan to return to the top
The brand is working on a strategy to return to the top selling brands in Europe.
To do this, Ford has appointed a new regional head, Jim Baumbick, former manager of the Focus and Kuga model lines.
His mission:
- maintaining the balance between electrification and demand for hybrids.
- formation of a new European lineup,
- launching models that will be truly relevant to European customers.
