After axing the Mondeo, Focus, and Fiesta passenger car lines in Western markets in favour of SUVs, Ford of Europe looks set to re-enter the same market segments it abandoned.
Ford appears to have backpedalled on a decision to scrap its traditional passenger cars and move to a line-up of SUVs.
In a report from Automotive News Europe, European dealers have reportedly been told that “Ford will invest in several vehicles” with a focus on hybrid and electric powertrains.
The move comes as Ford’s European sales fell by around 1.5 per cent over the first five months of 2025, as traditional passenger car models, like the Fiesta and Mondeo, were withdrawn and replaced by electric crossover SUVs like the Explorer and Capri.
Ford’s announcement to dealers also hinted that some of the coming new models could be developed in conjunction with other brands, suggesting that Ford may lean on its existing platform charging agreement with Volkswagen.
Currently, Ford uses the Volkswagen-developed MEB architecture beneath the Explorer and Capri EVs, and Ford’s commercial vehicle underpinnings provide the basis for the VW Amarok ute and Transporter van.
If Ford does continue its Volkswagen partnership, a small Polo-sized EV could form the basis for a Fiesta replacement.
Ford also has a joint venture partnership with Chinese brand, Changan Automobile. Although not confirmed, the possibility also exists for Ford to leverage Changan’s technical expertise in low-cost EV production.
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Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously flagged advancing Chinese automotive production as a threat to brands like Ford, claiming his company needs to more closely match China’s low-cost development and production.
Along with commercial vehicles, Ford’s remaining product lines in North America and Europe are made up of SUVs, from the compact Puma up to the plus-sized Expedition. The last remaining low-ride-height offering is the Ford Mustang.
In China, Ford still offers a new-generation Mondeo and the related Lincoln Z, though neither are sold in Western markets.
Ford’s new product range has not yet been revealed, but with key SUV segments covered by multiple models in some cases, the door remain open to a return to traditional passenger cars.
Despite the continued popularity of SUVs, traditional sedans and hatches remain popular in some markets, with vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, and Volkswagen ID.3 remaining popular, although none can match their SUV equivalents for overall popularity.
According to JATO figures for 2024, Europe sold 6.92 million SUVs, accounting for 54 per cent of total registrations, compared to 5.36 million passenger cars (excluding sports cars and MPVs).
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