The final Ford Fiesta is scheduled to roll off the assembly line in Cologne, Germany, today, July 7, signaling the end of an era for the beloved supermini.
With a remarkable 47-year run that spanned seven generations, the Fiesta etched its name in automotive history, becoming the UK's all-time bestselling car and a global favorite.
As Ford embraces an electric future, the Fiesta will make way for a new era of electric vehicles. Let's take a closer look at the remarkable journey of this iconic model and what lies ahead for Ford.
End of an Iconic Era for Ford Fiesta
Since its debut in 1976, the Ford Fiesta has captured the hearts of drivers worldwide with its compact size, fuel efficiency, and spirited performance.
Throughout its history, it became a modern classic on UK roads, selling a staggering 22 million units globally. In the UK, the Fiesta claimed the title of the best-selling model for an astounding 12 consecutive years from 2009 to 2020.
Transition to Electric Future
Ford's decision to discontinue Fiesta production is part of a larger strategy to transition to an electric future.
The Guardian tells us that the company recognizes the need to focus on producing electric vehicles as the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars approaches.
By bidding farewell to the Fiesta, Ford paves the way for what is likely to happen across the industry as the shift towards electrification gains momentum.
Sales Shift and Evolving Market
While the Fiesta remained a favorite among drivers, sales of smaller cars have faced challenges in recent years due to the growing popularity of larger sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
In 2022, the Fiesta claimed the 10th spot in the UK's new car sales rankings, with 25,070 models sold, while the Nissan Qashqai SUV took the lead with 42,704 units sold.
This shift in consumer preference and the narrowing profit margins for smaller, budget-friendly cars influenced Ford's decision to discontinue the Fiesta.
Future Prospects in the Used Car Market
Although the production of the new Ford Fiestas may come to an end, the model's popularity is expected to endure in the used car market.
Industry experts predict that the Fiesta will continue to be a sought-after option for years.
Speaking with BBC, Alex Buttle, co-founder of the used-car marketplace Motorway, highlights the ongoing demand for the Fiesta and the increasing prices of used models.
Despite bidding farewell to new production, the Fiesta's legacy will live on through the thriving used car market.
Ford acknowledges the Fiesta's significant contribution to its automotive heritage by preserving the last two Fiestas produced.
One of these final models will find a home in Germany, while the other will join Ford's esteemed UK heritage collection, ensuring that the iconic car's memory lives on for generations to come.
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