Ford Fiesta set to be axed after 46 years
It's one of the most popular cars on the road - but Ford is said to be scrapping its Ford Fiesta.
According to The Sun, the car manufacturer is set to axe the Ford Fiesta, and will not release an electric version of the model.
Ford has sold a whopping 4.8 million Fiestas over a period of 46 years, and for 12 years on the run it was the number one best seller between 2009 and 2020.
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However, Ford is now said to be discontinuing the Fiesta, due to a 'reset of Ford’s portfolio DNA'.
It's instead reported that the company will be focusing on its electric future, with four new battery powered cars and five vans over the next two years.
In the UK, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned by 2030.
A source told the publication: “This is a strategic decision to make way for a ‘new’ Ford.
"Fiesta has been a beloved icon and a faithful friend for millions of drivers but tastes are changing.
“People want high-riding crossovers — and we play to win.”
In a statement to LADbible, Ford explained: “We are accelerating our efforts to go all-in on electrification and therefore review our vehicle portfolio in line with our business strategy.
"We do not comment on speculation and will share more information in the coming months.”
Last year, Ford announced that it would no longer be selling its iconic Mondeo.
At the time, the American car company blamed 'changing fashions' for the downturn in the popularity of the Mondeo, and said that the demand from sports utility vehicles and the move towards electric cars also played a role in the decision making.
In a statement, Ford said: "As Ford moves to an all-electric passenger vehicle future, European consumer preferences continue to change.
"In 2020, 39 percent of Ford's passenger vehicle sales were SUVs and crossovers - up eight percentage points from 2019.
"Moreover, customers are showing more confidence in electrification technologies, with more than 50 percent of Kuga owners purchasing a Kuga plug-in hybrid."
They added: "As a result of this growing change in customer preference, Ford will phase out the Mondeo, its large car, at the end of March next year.
"Ford's other large crossover and multi-purpose vehicles - the seven-seat Ford Galaxy and Ford S-MAX - will continue in production, with full hybrid versions of both recently launched."
Lucy Devine