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Will the Ford Fiesta return? Former Ford leader points to two culprits for the iconic car's demise and says: “It could have lasted longer!”

Published 23/10/2024 às 18:19
Ford, Ford Fiesta
Photo: Reproduction

The Ford Fiesta has come to an end, but a former Ford executive has identified two culprits behind the car's discontinuation. Find out what led to the end of this iconic model and why it could have lasted longer!

The Ford Fiesta is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic vehicles in the history of the global automotive industry. Over almost five decades of production, this compact has become synonymous with innovation, accessibility and global success.

With over 22 million units sold worldwide, the Fiesta has earned a special place among utility models. However, in 2023, Ford announced the end of production of this iconic car, surprising many fans and industry experts.

The decision, already expected by some, was motivated by changes in the market and in the automaker's strategic focus. In Brazil, for example, the Fiesta production line was closed in 2019, with the closure of the Ford factory in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo.

The company's focus is now on SUVs and the development of electric vehicles, such as the new Ford Explorer EV, leaving the Fiesta behind.

The Turn to Electric Cars

Ford, Fiesta, Ford Fiesta

The end of production of the Ford Fiesta was not an isolated move, but part of a broader strategy by Ford to adapt to the demands of carros electrical systems and increasing environmental regulation.

The automaker's factory in Cologne, Germany, which was responsible for producing the Fiesta, has undergone a major transformation. With an investment of more than 2 billion euros, this unit now focuses on manufacturing electric vehicles, such as the Ford Explorer and the iconic Capri.

The transition to electric car production was driven in part by strict European Union regulations to reduce emissions.

Gunnar Herrmann, former director of Ford in Germany, said in an interview with the newspaper Cologne City Gazette that the decision to end the Fiesta cycle was inevitable given current market demands and environmental restrictions.

According to Herrmann, the new CO₂ emissions limits, which will come into force from next year, pose major challenges for manufacturers. He pointed out that even smaller companies could face heavy fines if they fail to meet environmental targets.

Herrmann gave the example of Volkswagen, which could face fines of more than 250 million euros. For the former director, the transition to electric mobility will be challenging until 2027, the year in which he believes the production of electric cars will become profitable.

Criticism of the transition and the challenges of the sector

Ford, Fiesta, Ford Fiesta

Despite optimism about the future of vehicles electrical, Herrmann was critical of the pace of the transition and the lack of support for workers in industry.

According to him, workforce retraining is one of the most neglected aspects of this change process. With the electrification of production lines, new skills and certifications are needed, and workers must be prepared to deal with the technological demands of the future.

This criticism reflects a problem faced by many traditional industries in the transition to sustainable models. The time required for a complete reconfiguration of production processes, combined with the improvement of technologies, implies challenges for both companies and workers.

Without coordinated action, this change may be slower than expected, hampering the industry’s progress.

Ford Fiesta: A milestone in the history of compact cars

Over its 47-year history, the Ford Fiesta has built an undeniable legacy. Its unique features and impact on the market place it among the most iconic cars in modern history. Below, we explore the key factors that have made the Fiesta such a success:

  • Popularity and sales: Since its launch, the Ford Fiesta has quickly become one of Ford’s best-selling models. Its combination of attractive design, compact size and affordable price has won over a wide range of consumers, especially in emerging markets and Europe.
  • Innovation and technology: The Fiesta has always been at the forefront of technology. Over its many generations, the car has incorporated important innovations such as advanced entertainment systems, safety improvements and fuel efficiency innovations.
  • Impact on the compact segment: Before the Fiesta, compact cars were often considered basic, under-featured options. The model helped redefine the segment, proving that smaller cars could be sophisticated and well-equipped.
  • Versatility: Over the years, Ford has offered several versions of the Fiesta, from sporty models to more economical versions, catering to different consumer profiles.
  • Competitive legacy: In addition to being a success on the streets, the Fiesta also stood out in automobile competitions, further consolidating its status as a versatile and reliable vehicle.

Possibility of return

While the Ford Fiesta may have been phased out, the possibility of a comeback is not out of the question. Ford CEO Jim Farley has hinted that the company is developing a new line of small, affordable vehicles, likely electric, to compete with the Chinese brands that are dominating the sector. This raises the possibility that the Fiesta name could once again be associated with an innovative and sustainable model in the future.

Meanwhile, the global automotive market continues to transform, and consumers continue to look for mobility solutions that combine practicality, efficiency and environmental responsibility.

The legacy of the Ford Fiesta will remain as a reference, and who knows, it may inspire new generations of compact vehicles in the coming years.

So while the “party” may be over, the Ford Fiesta’s impact on the industry and in the hearts of its fans will continue to resonate for a long time to come.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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