Spring has passed for almost a month, but still Ford continues the big cleanup ! However, the manufacturer has a very good reputation in France: In 2022, 47,095 cars were sold in the country, which is 7.6% more ! In recent years, it still stood out for its wide range. City cars, compact cars, sedans, minivans, utility vehicles. Ford had one of the widest model offeringssometimes still confronting certain categories that the French avoided.

One thinks in particular of minivans, with S-Max and Galaxy which continued to hold their ground despite the growing appeal of SUVs. But if we speak in the past tense, then the brand began a large-scale cleaning these last months. The Mondeo sedan is gone from the catalog city ​​car Ka also, and Fiesta simply disappeared. The two minivans will go on sale at the end of the year, the Focus will go on sale in 2025 (the German plant in Saarlouis is being sold).

Priority to off-road vehicles

Why such a turn? Because Ford, like General Motors a few years ago, wants to become more American. GM decided to go to the American market and leave Europe. Ford remains, but must save money and thus harmonize its North American and European ranges. No more fancy, random categories or duplicate models. The American group rationalizes its assortment as much as possible, priority to crossovers, 4X4s and pickups. Three new divisions were also created: Ford Model e dedicated to electricity, Ford is blue for thermals, Ford Pro for communal services (including self-delivery). The time to take risks is over for the Detroit manufacturer, and that’s reflected in our current lineup. Puma, Kuga, Mustang Mach-E, Explorer : crossovers now rule…

The return of the Fiesta thanks to Volkswagen?

To return to Fiesta, it is completely incomprehensible that Ford would stop such a model. Already because the city car market is not weakening in Europe. Witness excellent sales figures for the 208, Clio and Sandero Example. But above all because Fiesta is a legendary model and name! realize, it has been plowing our European roads since 1976, 47 years ! Sure, we were a long way from the 60,000+ units sold in France in the 90s, but the love rating was still there. Finally, let’s not regret what’s done: Fiesta is gone and gone well, its Cologne plant no longer assembles it. Today, however, there are rumors that it could be making a comeback thanks to the help of…Volkswagen.

The two manufacturers have already collaborated on several models. Ranger/Amarok, ID.4/Explorer, Tourneo Connect/Caddy. Why not on city cars? Volkswagen could shared its future Volkswagen ID.2 with Ford, which will occupy the platform (MEB Entry), engines and battery packs. Not being official information, this project has Martin Sander, the boss of Ford Europe, does not object who was interviewed by our colleagues at Automotive News Europe. On this topic, he assures that Ford is ready look at other opportunities for cooperation with Volkswagen. However, he reminded that small models, including Fiesta, are not yet a priority of the concern. “Fiestagen” is therefore not ruled out, but it is not a priori for now…

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