Ford Fiesta manufacturing ends: UK finest vendor is not any extra

If you have not owned a Ford Fiesta, you may nearly assure one in all your loved ones or closest pals have.

That is as a result of it is Britain’s most purchased automobile of all time, amassing 4.8million gross sales within the UK. Globally, Ford has shifted an unimaginable 22million of them.

Nevertheless it’s now formally the tip of the street for Fiesta. The ultimate examples will emerge from the model’s manufacturing facility in Germany as Ford formally lowers the curtain on a 47-year manufacturing run of one of many biggest automotive names of the fashionable period.

Friday 7 July sees the final examples adorned with a Fiesta badge emerge from its Cologne meeting line as Ford pushes forward with plans to kill off the UK’s most-bought motor to interchange it with an electrical crossover below a brand new moniker.

Having first arrived in 1976 and been offered throughout seven completely different generations, the plucky small automobile has topped Britain’s annual gross sales chart 16 occasions and leads the Cortina and Escort because the nation’s all-time favorite mannequin.

With over 1.5million registered keepers on document in 2022, it’s the most typical automobile on our roads in the present day and stays a staple of Britain’s streets. In reality, it is the ninth most-bought new automobile of this yr, regardless of Ford months in the past culling quite a few completely different variations to scale back outputs forward of its swansong.

Bosses confirmed to MailOnline and That is Cash that the final two Fiestas off the road in the present day might be saved by the corporate. One might be retained in its worldwide fleet in Germany whereas the ultimate right-hand-drive mannequin by Ford UK in its heritage assortment.

Farewell Fiesta: Ford will make its final Fiesta on 7 July because the US model alerts the tip of the street for Britain’s most-bought automobile of all time that has been in manufacturing for 47 years 

The Ford manufacturing facility in Cologne (pictured) will produce its closing Fiesta uin July. The small hatchback has been constructed on the German plant since 1989 – and for the UK market for the reason that Mk5 Fiesta arrived on sale from 2002

Ford Europe GM Martin Sander shared this snap of himself with employees on the Fiesta manufacturing line in Cologne the day earlier than meeting of the small hatchback ends. He is pictured with Sylvio Heuser, Ford worker who has labored on the Fiesta manufacturing line his whole profession

Martin Sander, GM at Ford Mannequin e Europe and CEO Ford Werke GmbHGM, posted an image from contained in the Cologne manufacturing facility on Thursday 6 July – the day earlier than Fiesta’s meeting line wrapped up for good.

Pictured alongside him is Sylvio Heuser, one of many staff members who has labored on the Fiesta manufacturing line throughout his whole profession on the German manufacturing facility. 

‘Like for thousand of employees right here this automobile was his life,’ Mr Sander posted on Friday.

‘In the present day, because the final Ford Fiesta rolls off the manufacturing line in Cologne, it’s understandably an emotional second for a implausible staff who’ve constructed these automobiles over the so many many years for tens of millions of followers world wide.

‘After I talked to a few of them within the physique meeting space yesterday, you could possibly really feel it. 

‘All of them, the entire Fiesta staff, deserve an enormous Thank You for writing such an necessary chapter of the Ford historical past!’

Henry Ford II pictured standing alongside a Ford Fiesta S in 1976 – the yr the automobile was first launched to the European market – although UK gross sales did not begin till a yr later

The Mk1 Fiesta was Ford’s debut passenger automobile with a transverse engine structure and the primary volume-selling front-wheel-drive mannequin with a blue oval badge. Pictured: A 1977 Ford Fiesta Mk1 1300 Sport

Friday 7 July 2023 sees the final examples adorned with a Fiesta badge emerge from its Cologne meeting line as Ford pushes forward with plans to kill off the UK’s most-bought motor to interchange it with an electrical crossover below a brand new moniker

Bosses confirmed to MailOnline and That is Cash that the final two Fiestas off the road might be saved by the corporate. One might be retained in its worldwide fleet in Germany whereas the ultimate right-hand-drive mannequin by Ford UK in its heritage assortment 

Pictured in 1979: Ford’s fleet of passenger vehicles together with Fiesta Mark I (entrance), Vary Fiesta, Granada, Capri, Escort, and Cortina

Why is Ford killing-off Fiesta now? 

Ford introduced in October that it will produce its closing Fiesta this summer season. 

That is regardless of the automobile being extremely standard lately, and nonetheless is in the present day.

It was the UK’s best-selling mannequin yearly between 2009 and 2020, which is the longest streak on the high for any mannequin in historical past in Britain.

It will definitely misplaced its crown to the Vauxhall Corsa in 2021, with Ford’s resolution to concentrate on industrial car manufacturing throughout the pandemic and elements provide scarcity spelling the tip of its 12-year spell on the high of the gross sales standings.

And even after Ford introduced it will likely be terminated for good, British sellers offered 25,070 of them final yr – sufficient to safe tenth spot within the UK gross sales chart. And UK drivers have purchased one other 15,359 within the first six months of 2023, making it the ninth best-selling mannequin up to now this yr.

Which is why, within the eyes of many, together with us, the choice to cancel Fiesta now feels untimely and a doable shot within the foot by one in all Britain’s hottest automobile manufacturers. 

However Ford has been planning its demise for a while.

It stopped constructing three-door examples final spring and has not made a diesel-engined Fiesta since October 2020.

A UK 1977 advert for the Fiesta. One of many largest promoting factors to potential prospects was the actual fact it may carry a chest of drawers in case you lowered the rear bench seat

By 1979, Ford has already constructed a million Fiestas, such was the extent of demand worldwide. The 2 millionth instance adopted properly earlier than the second-generation Fiesta arrived in 1983

The success of the first-generation Fiesta turned the platform for the nameplate to go on to turn out to be Britain’s most purchased automobile of all time

The Design Council handed Ford an award in 1979 for making a ‘detailed and calculated try to scale back the upkeep and restore prices’ with the Mk1 Fiesta   

With the solar setting on the Fiesta , many will query Ford’s resolution to discontinue its supremely standard automobile. It additionally sees the demise of one of many cheaper fashions in the marketplace – a blow to new drivers in search of inexpensive motoring choices

Ford’s resolution to kill-off Fiesta might be thought-about untimely by many, particularly with the small automobile proving vastly standard within the UK in the present day. It’s the ninth best-selling new mannequin of 2023 (to the tip of June) with over 15,300 registrations – not unhealthy contemplating Ford has been scaling again manufacturing and availability over the past 12 months and longer

Ford’s electrical push: The US model is killing off Fiesta – in addition to Focus, Mondeo, Galaxy and S-Max – to make manner for its next-generation of electrical automobiles. It can launch seven new EVs in Europe by 2024, taking its zero-emission line-up to 9 vehicles by 2024. The ‘Medium-size Crossover’ pictured above is already confirmed because the Explorer EV, whereas the ‘Sport Crossover’ is reportedly set to relaunch the Capri title

The Ford Explorer SUV is because of go on sale within the UK in 2024. Will probably be adopted by a smaller compact electrical crossover – prone to take the title Capri – that can seemingly take the spot of Fiesta earlier than the tip of the last decade

The selection to cull the legendary title comes because the US firm embarks on the subsequent part of its transition to electrical vehicles.

By mid-2026, bosses need each Ford in showrooms within the UK and throughout Europe to be both absolutely electrical or plug-in hybrid. And by 2030 – the date the UK Authorities intends to outlaw the sale of latest petrol and diesel vehicles – its showrooms will completely promote EVs.

The tip of the road for the Fiesta will now permit Ford to switch its Cologne manufacturing facility right into a ‘state-of-the-art’ EV-only plant the place it’s going to produce its next-generation of battery-powered fashions.

This consists of the Explorer SUV, which is one in all quite a few new electrical SUVs that it plans to carry to market within the coming years.

In an official assertion offered to MailOnline and That is Cash, the model stated: ‘At Ford in Europe, we’re quickly transitioning to an electrical future. 

‘As a part of this transition, manufacturing of the Fiesta in Cologne, Germany might be discontinued on 7 July 2023 and a brand new period on the Cologne Electrical Car Middle will start. 

‘The brand new electrical Ford Explorer might be produced on the hi-tech facility, with first deliveries to European prospects in 2024. 

‘With an annual manufacturing capability of 250,000-plus EVs, the Explorer and a brand new Sports activities Crossover car will be a part of Ford’s household of passenger automobiles.’

Martin Sander, Ford Europe’s GM, added in a social media put up:’Whereas we bid farewell to at least one icon, we put together to make method to say good day to a different – the brand new electrical Explorer that might be constructed right here in the identical corridor Y at our Cologne Electrical Car Middle with deliveries to prospects in 2024.’

He added: ‘A brand new electrical period is on its manner!’

Pictured: A 1978 Ford Fiesta Mk1 Solitaire alongside a classic Ford Mannequin A

In 2016, Ford celebrated 40 years of the Fiesta by inviting house owners of all generations to satisfy on the Dagenham manufacturing facility the place the mannequin was beforehand produced to journey in convoy. Mk1 Fiestas are appreciating classics and are prone to go up in worth now manufacturing of the nameplate has ceased 

Pictured: A 1982 Ford Fiesta Bravo II advert. The Bravo II was an upgraded model of the M1 Fiesta L with a two-tone paint job

The Ford Fiesta hasn’t solely been standard among the many public but in addition the police, with the automobile utilized by forces via varied generations. See right here an early Mk3 Fiesta

If you have not owned a Ford Fiesta, tens of millions of Britons seemingly would have realized to drive in a single. Pictured: A fleet of AA Driving Faculty Fiestas

Whereas tens of millions of Britons would have owned a Fiesta, so many extra have been behind the wheel of 1 on account of its widespread availability in rental fleets at residence and overseas – and a few extra unlucky members of the general public might need ridden within the backseat of one of many many deployed by UK police forces through the years.

After which there’s additionally its large recognition amongst driving instructors, who for years have turned to the Fiesta for its ease of driving, robust reliability and nice dealing with to educate the subsequent technology of motorists how you can navigate Britain’s roads.

In a current survey performed by Auto Dealer, it discovered that a couple of in 5 (22 per cent) of drivers stated they handed their check first time in a Fiesta.

Marc Palmer, Model Perception Director at Auto Dealer stated: ‘Though the Fiesta was a stalwart of the model, Ford has managed to persistently ship a variety of nice high quality vehicles for over a 100 years, so it is secure to imagine there will be some thrilling fashions within the pipeline.

‘They will not be fossil fuelled, however I am positive they will provide the acquainted Ford driving expertise, with the environmental advantages of electrical.’

In a press release, Ford defined why it was axing the Fiesta: ‘At Ford in Europe, we’re accelerating our efforts to go all-in on electrification with our passenger automobiles being absolutely electrical by 2030 – and all automobiles throughout our Ford portfolio by 2035’

The Cologne manufacturing facility, the place the final Fiesta might be constructed, will now be remodeled right into a state-of-the-art manufacturing centre (pictured) that completely produces selectric automobiles

Ford has dedicated to its whole passenger car line-up in Europe being electrical or plug-in hybrid by mid-2026 and in 2030 might be electrical solely

Commentating on Fiesta’s stop in manufacturing, Erin Baker, editorial director at on-line car market Auto Dealer, added: ‘I feel the tip of the Ford Fiesta paves the best way for what’s prone to occur throughout the board as we head in the direction of electrification and the 2030 cut-off. That’s as a result of there isn’t a lot margin in small low-cost vehicles any extra. Proper now, Fiesta isn’t viable, and the identical might be true for different manufacturers.

‘That stated, it does mark the tip of a very iconic automobile. Given its large success through the years, many individuals will, I’m positive, be upset with the transfer.

‘There are nonetheless lots accessible within the second-hand market with over 13,000 at present marketed on our market, starting from just some hundred kilos, all the best way as much as £30,000 – so we’ll actually see lots of them on our roads for the foreseeable future.’

And Fiesta is not the one recongisable nameplate Ford is ousting…

The automobile big wound-up outputs of Mondeo in April 2022.

Simply 12 months later, bosses have overseen discontinuation of the S-Max and Galaxy MPVs in Valencia, Spain.

It has additionally signalled that it’ll pull the plug on Focus manufacturing in Saarlouis, Germany, on the finish of 2025. 

SEVEN GENERATIONS OF FORD FIESTA IN PICTURES 

Fiesta Mk1 (1976 to 1983): Pictured, a first-generation Ford Fiesta being check pushed by former Every day Mail motoring correspondent, Michael Kemp. It was additionally the primary Ford automobile to characteristic a transverse engine structure, and is broadly credited as being the model’s first globally profitable front-wheel drive mannequin

Fiesta Mk2 (1983 to 1989): The second-generation Fiesta (left) was the primary to be accessible with a diesel engine. In October 2020, the model made the choice to cull diesel engines from its vary as demand for oil burners continued to say no (pictured proper, the final technology diesel Fiesta)

Fiesta Mk3 (1989 to 1997): The third Fiesta supplied an extended and wider physique, extra inside house and anti-lock brakes – a primary for any small automobile. It was additionally the primary Fiesta to be offered with 5 doorways

Fiesta Mk4 (1995 to 2002): The fourth model had new rounded seems and an oval grille. Twin airbags got here as commonplace for the primary time within the small Ford. Pictured: An worker of the Kolner Ford plant Niehl in 1996, when, each 40 seconds, a brand new Fiesta would depart the meeting line

Fiesta Mk5 (2002 to 2008): Idris Elba labored on the Fiesta plant in Dagenham for 2 years earlier than he discovered fame as an actor. Pictured: The fifth-generation Fiesta was the primary to not be constructed within the UK as of 2002 after the East London automobile plant was closed down

Fiesta Mk6 (2008 to 2016): The sixth-generation Fiesta proved a large hit after it got here to market. Sporty seems and styling made it the best-selling automobile each full yr it was produced till it was succeeded by the most recent mannequin that arrived in 2017

Fiesta Mk7 (2016 to 2023): The present Fiesta continued predecessors’ success, being the most-bought new automobile in Britain till 2020. Nevertheless, Ford’s resolution to prioritise outputs of economic automobiles – and the rise in recognition of the most recent Vauxhall Corsa – means it’s now not the best-selling new mannequin within the nation

 

Final yr, Ford triggered an emotional response from British drivers by tweeting that the Fiesta can be no extra after summer season 2023.

The corporate’s official social media account posted on 26 October: ‘It is time to say goodbye to the little automobile that has touched us all. 

‘The massive moments, the little moments, and all of the ‘firsts’ – thanks for the recollections.’

And its not simply most of the people who’ve fallen for the Fiesta’s allure. 

In the identical yr the primary one was offered in Britain (1977) it additionally made an look alongside Roger Moore in James Bond movie The Spy Who Beloved Me.

And there loads of different celebs related to it.

This consists of two-time Academy award-winner Renee Zellweger, who is alleged to drive one, and Idris Elba who labored for 2 years at Ford’s Dagenham automobile plant the place Fiesta was constructed earlier than he discovered fame on the massive display.

Sadly the East London automobile plant stopped making Fiestas in 2002 and manufacturing was moved to Germany, the place meeting will cease for good.

TV presenter and glamour mannequin Nell McAndrew pictured throughout Ford’s 30-year anniversary celebrations for the Fiesta in 2006

Ford has offered greater than two million Fiestas globally earlier than the arrival of the Mk2 automobile in 1983. This technology additionally got here with the choice of a diesel engine. Pictured is a Fiesta Mk2 Ghia

With over 1.5million registered keepers of Fiestas previous and current on document in 2022, it’s the most typical automobile on our roads in the present day and stays a staple of Britain’s streets (Pictured is a 1990 Ford Fiesta Mk3 Well-liked Plus)

Quick Fiestas: All through the generations there’s been a ‘Quick Ford’ model of each Fiesta – and all have gotten collectible classics and trendy classics. A low-mileage 1985 Ford Fiesta Mk2 XR2, for example, is value as much as £22,400, based on valuation specialists

The Ford Fiesta Mk3 XR2i – like this one pictured for brochures in 1991 – is beginning to turn out to be extra collectible. You’d must fork out round £11,300 for an excellent one in the present day, although that worth is sort of sure to soar now the title is discontinued 

Will Fiesta second-hand values soar on account of manufacturing ending?

When Ford first introduced the Fiesta would finish manufacturing in 2023, sentimental automobile consumers flocked to the used market to see how a lot they might seize one for. 

Searches for the Ford supermini on the automobile promoting website Cinch rose by 37 per cent within the seven days after the information was confirmed.

Carwow revealed that views of Ford Fiestas on its web site have jumped by 11 per cent this quarter in comparison with figures from final yr, with practically 4 million views of affords for brand new and used Ford Fiestas in 2023 up to now.

James Hind, CEO, stated: ‘Given the actual fact individuals are nonetheless looking for it on our platform – and with no indicators of demand from customers slowing down – it’ll stay standard within the used automobile marketplace for a while to return.’

And rival on-line platform Motorway says the Fiesta stays in demand in the present day because of its nice worth, particularly within the present financial local weather.

The typical sale worth of used Ford Fiestas below 5 years outdated has elevated by 14 per cent since Ford bosses confirmed it’s going to be killed off, leaping from £10,049 to £11,505 within the final eight months, the positioning claims.

Alex Buttle, co-founder of Motorway stated: ‘We proceed to see excessive demand for the Ford Fiesta, as our supplier companions stay eager to inventory their forecourts with this modern-day basic. 

‘And with the common offered worth of Ford Fiestas rising by 14 per cent in the previous few months alone, it is a testomony to the recognition of this timeless mannequin. 

‘The ceasing of manufacturing of latest Ford Fiestas might imply the tip of an period, however the used-car market will proceed respiratory life into this a lot sought-after automobile for years forward.’

Car historical past checking supplier carVertical stated the tip of Fiesta manufacturing is a ‘actual turning level for the automobile business’.

Matas Buzelis from the corporate advised us: ‘The Fiesta stays an enduringly standard mannequin on the second-hand automobile market. 

‘It was essentially the most offered used automobile within the first three months of this yr with over 80,000 altering arms. Compared, the subsequent best-selling mannequin, the Vauxhall Corsa, offered slightly below 60,000.

‘Fortunately for Fiesta followers, second-hand fashions will nonetheless be up on the market for an extended whereas to return.

‘The typical age of a Fiesta checked on automobile historical past platform carVertical is 10 years outdated, exhibiting simply how resilient and dependable these vehicles are. Fashions produced in 2014, 2015 and 2013 are the preferred amongst drivers.

‘Everybody within the nation has both owned a Fiesta or is aware of somebody who does, so it is a unhappy farewell to the nation’s automobile subsequent door.’

Consultants warn Fiesta house owners their vehicles at the moment are extra enticing to thieves

Ford’s small hatchback was Britain’s most-stolen car in 2022.

That is an unsurprising statistic given there are extra examples on the street than some other mannequin. 

Nevertheless, specialists warn that Fiestas may turn out to be more and more enticing targets for criminals now that Ford has stopped making them and there is a rise in demand for second-hand elements to maintain the 1.5million on the street going.

Fiesta is essentially the most generally stolen vehicles in Britain. Whereas that comes as little shock given there are extra of them on the street than some other mannequin, car theft specialists warn they might turn out to be more and more focused now that manufacturing has ended 

Fiesta house owners have been warned to regulate their vehicles as the tip of manufacturing means there might be much less provide of elements and will make the small Fords extra enticing to thieves

Stolen car restoration specialist Tracker has urged Fiesta house owners to be ‘on their guard’.

Clive Wain, Tracker’s head of police liaison, advised That is Cash: ‘It is not uncommon for any car to turn out to be in excessive demand when provide stops, and the value of elements will slowly begin to improve.

‘The tip of the Fiesta does not simply sign the tip of one of the crucial standard vehicles within the UK, however an excellent higher theft threat for these vehicles which are at present on the street.

‘Over the previous few years, we have already seen {that a} world lack of fine high quality used automobiles, alongside spare elements shortages, are rising the desirability of older, decrease worth vehicles just like the Fiesta.

‘Autos are sometimes stolen and stripped for his or her elements in chop retailers or stolen to order to be shipped overseas to satisfy worldwide demand.’