The era of Ford’s compact cars in Europe is drawing to a close, marking a significant shift in the company’s strategic direction. After decades of being a staple in the European automotive landscape, the Ford Focus will officially cease production in November 2025.
This move underscores Ford’s transition away from traditional passenger cars to LCVs and “icon cars“, like Mustang, Bronco and other American myths. Maybe not the right period, in Europe.
The end of an Icon
Finn Thomasen, Ford’s European Communications Manager, confirmed to Motor1 that production of the Focus at the Saarlouis plant in Germany will come to an end in late 2025. With no direct successor planned, the closure of the facility signals the brand’s increasing disengagement from the compact car segment. While orders for the Focus remain open, time is running out for those who wish to secure one of the last units of this iconic model.
Since its debut in 1998, the Focus has played a pivotal role in Ford’s European lineup, succeeding the legendary Escort and spanning four generations. However, it now follows the fate of other beloved Ford models, such as the Mondeo, which was discontinued in April 2022, and the Fiesta, whose final unit rolled off the production line in July 2023.
Ford’s decision to phase out its traditional passenger cars is not incidental but rather part of a well-defined corporate vision. CEO Jim Farley has explicitly stated that Ford is moving away from “boring cars” to focus on “iconic vehicles.” This statement encapsulates the company’s shift in priorities.
Farley acknowledged that models like the Fiesta and Mondeo were cherished by many customers but admitted that their financial viability no longer justified future investments. Consequently, Ford is directing its efforts towards higher-margin models such as the Bronco, Tremor, Raptor, and the ever-popular Mustang.
Ford’s electrified future
As legacy models fade away, Ford is reshaping its European lineup with a focus on SUVs and electrification. The Puma and Kuga remain in the range, with the Puma now available in an electric version. Additionally, Ford’s electric transition is evident with models like the Mustang Mach-E, the Explorer EV (built on Volkswagen’s ID.4 platform), and the recently introduced Capri, based on the ID.5.
With the departure of the Focus, enthusiasts also bid farewell to one of the last manual hot hatchbacks—the Focus ST. Furthermore, the discontinuation of the station wagon variant reflects a broader trend, though some manufacturers continue to offer such body styles in their portfolios.
Ford’s European strategy mirrors the company’s actions in the United States, where models such as the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and Taurus were removed from the lineup years ago. The Mustang remains Ford’s sole traditional passenger car, though it is more of a niche product rather than a volume seller.
