Ford Confirms Focus Hatchback Won’t Receive Stay of Execution, Accelerates EV Switch Despite Falling Demand

In a recent announcement, Ford confirmed that the Focus family hatchback will not receive a stay of execution and will be culled at the end of 2025. This decision is part of Ford’s strategy to accelerate its switch to electric vehicles, despite a significant drop in demand for EVs in recent months.

The Focus hatchback has been a mainstay on Britain’s roads since 1998 and has been a popular choice for many drivers. However, Ford Europe’s boss, Martin Sander, has stated that there are no plans to extend the life of the Focus beyond 2025, even though the demand for electric cars has not met expectations.

While some of Ford’s rivals have decided to prolong the production of their combustion engine models due to the lack of appetite for EVs, Ford remains committed to retiring its petrol models in favor of electric cars. Sander emphasized that EVs are the future and that Ford will continue to expand its range of electric vehicles in the coming years.

Despite the challenging consumer landscape and the decline in private purchases of electric cars, Ford is determined to meet the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires car manufacturers to increase their sales of EVs. Failure to meet the ZEV mandate targets can result in significant fines for auto makers, pushing companies like Ford to prioritize EV sales.

The decision to cull the Focus hatchback is part of Ford’s broader strategy to transition to electric vehicles and meet the growing demand for EVs in the market. While the shift to electric cars may present challenges, Ford is committed to providing customers with a wide range of electric vehicle options and ensuring a smooth transition to a more sustainable future.