Ford has announced it will end production of the Focus by 2025. This marks the end of an era for the popular compact car that once topped sales charts in markets like the UK but has faced declining demand in recent years.
The Focus, once Britain’s best-seller, has been overtaken by SUVs like the Puma and Kuga. It’s not just the US that prefers SUVs.
SUVs are more profitable and face looser fuel standards. The Focus outsold the Edge before being axed in North America. It’s manufacturers driving this shift, not just consumer preference.
In Europe, even with carbon-based vehicle taxes, SUVs like the Kuga sell better than the Focus. It’s more about demand and profitability.
The Focus’s decline is part of a larger trend. Cars like the VW Golf may also face extinction soon. Automakers are shifting priorities, even if sales remain decent.
For all Ford’s talk about climate goals, dropping efficient cars like the Focus seems contradictory.
You could say Ford has lost its Focus.
Is this worldwide? RIP!
The European plant is closing, but it might still be produced in China.
Ford is replacing the Focus with an ID.3-based EV. It’s sad for workers in Saarlouis, who’ve been left in limbo.
Dropping the Focus is a big deal. Competing in the compact car segment shows expertise in balancing cost, quality, and engineering. Ford might lose valuable know-how by leaving this space.
This is just another case of an unprofitable but popular car being axed in favor of SUVs. The Focus MKIII and MKIV were probably mistakes given the market trends.