Ford confirms the permanent end of Focus production

Ford has confirmed the permanent end of production for the Focus, whose first generation dates back to 1998.

A genuine fixture on European roads since the late 1990s, the Ford Focus has now bowed out after four generations and more than two decades on sale. Combining advanced technology, engaging road manners and increasingly polished styling, this key model in the American manufacturer's line-up had long been a mainstay of the compact car market - a category that is clearly no longer in favour.

The end for Ford's iconic Focus

At the end of September, Ford built the final Focus wearing the ST badge. The American car maker had already confirmed the end of production for its landmark compact model, and, since Saturday 15 November, the Saarlouis plant in Germany has stopped manufacturing the Focus for good; the factory is now up for sale. The Fiesta was also removed from the Ford range in 2023, while the Mondeo disappeared a year earlier.

Over almost three decades and four successive generations, the Ford Focus established itself as one of the automotive market's leading models. In total, 12 million examples found buyers worldwide. Its success was also, it must be acknowledged, strongly supported by the reputation of its RS and ST performance versions, which were especially well developed and highly valued by enthusiasts.

Ford Focus makes way for an SUV-focused strategy

By withdrawing from the compact car segment, Ford is unmistakably closing a chapter in its history. The manufacturer will no longer offer a single compact model, choosing instead to focus its efforts on the far more buoyant SUV market. Ford remains well equipped in this area, with the Kuga, Explorer, all-new Capri and Puma - now also available in a fully electric version.

Ford's position in the European market

Nevertheless, the Blue Oval brand has lost some of its shine on the Old Continent. In September, Ford sold just over 40,000 vehicles, placing it just ahead of Tesla but well behind Mercedes, which recorded more than 67,000 sales, and a long way adrift of the Volkswagen Group, which was close to 317,000 units. The outcome was eighth place in Europe for the month, a market share restricted to 3.3% and a decline of around 3.4% year on year.

More recently, Ford chief executive Jim Farley confirmed that Tesla and Chinese manufacturers hold a huge lead in the electric vehicle sector.

Following a difficult - and costly - restructuring programme launched in 2022, the manufacturer says it intends to come back stronger. It is now relying on a new universal platform designed to develop vehicles that are more efficient and more affordable.