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The End of the Ford Focus marks another chapter in Ford’s transformation process. After ending the production of the Fiesta, the automaker confirms that the Focus will also cease to exist, closing one of the most iconic lines in its history. An analysis, published by the specialized British portal Goodwood on Wednesday, May 22, goes beyond the simple fact: it reflects on how the brand has lost part of its identity, but still sees paths for a possible rebirth.
Launched in 1998, the Focus was revolutionary for its time. Its bold design and independent rear suspension Control Blade made it a reference in both handling and innovation in the hatchback segment. More than just a popular car, it represented a time when the entire Ford lineup, from the Ka to the Mondeo, offered a pleasurable, coherent driving experience connected with its audience.
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However, according to the article by Russel Campbell, this cohesion has been lost. Today’s Ford, in Goodwood’s view, heavily relies on nostalgia for iconic names, applied to SUVs and vehicles that bear little resemblance to their predecessors. The most cited example is the new Capri SUV, which, besides having no relation to the original coupe, is also based on a Volkswagen platform.
At the same time, the text makes a note: it is not just about misguided decisions, but about an entire industry pressured by strict emissions reduction targets and the need for rapid electrification. It is in this context that Ford had to abandon traditional models like Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo, whose combustion engines raised the average emissions of the fleet, threatening to generate million-dollar fines.
Is Hope on the Right Path?
Despite the criticisms, the journalist points out that Ford hasn’t completely lost its essence, just “strayed from the path.” The solution, he says, has already been presented by competitors like Renault, which with the new electric Renault 5, managed to combine nostalgic design, an accessible proposal, and current technology.
The author in Goodwood suggests that Ford could follow a similar route: reviving strong names like the Fiesta XR2 or even sporty versions of the Focus itself, bringing them to a simple, efficient electric platform with competitive pricing, something that could be the true differentiator in today’s market.
The analysis concludes with a critical yet optimistic view. Ford may have lost its “mojo,” but it hasn’t disappeared; it has just been temporarily forgotten. If it can unite its sporting heritage, connection with the public, and proper adaptation to the electric universe, there is room for the brand to become one of the most respected in the global market again.
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