The End of an Era and a Glimpse into the Future
Ford of Europe marked the end of an iconic era on July 7, as the last Fiesta subcompact hatchback was manufactured in Cologne, Germany. Despite the cessation of its combustion-engine models, Ford is not closing the door on the beloved Fiesta. The company is open to reintroducing the Fiesta in an electrified form, potentially breathing new life into the classic nameplate with cutting-edge technology.
Potential Collaboration with Volkswagen for an Electric Fiesta
Martin Sander, the head of passenger cars at Ford Europe, in a discussion with Automotive News Europe, hinted at the possibility of a battery-electric version of the Fiesta. This new iteration would likely utilize Volkswagen’s MEB Entry platform, tailored for affordable small EVs. Ford’s ongoing collaboration with Volkswagen, which already includes plans to build two electric vehicles on the MEB platform, suggests a promising avenue for the Fiesta’s return as an electric vehicle.
Ford’s Strategic Shift and Electrification Efforts
The transformation of Ford’s Cologne factory, which has undergone a $2 billion upgrade to accommodate the production of EVs, positions it well for the potential manufacturing of a small, more affordable electric vehicle. The plant is set to produce an electric compact SUV and a “sports crossover” in the near future, showcasing Ford’s commitment to its electrification strategy in Europe. While Ford has moved away from smaller combustion-engine models due to financial and environmental pressures, the shift towards electric vehicles offers a new chapter for the Fiesta, aligning with Ford’s goal to become fully electric in Europe by 2030.