The Ford Fiesta, the UK’s all-time best-selling car, is set to cease production this week, ending its remarkable legacy.
Ford had announced in October of last year that the Fiesta would be discontinued in 2023, and now it has been confirmed that the final units will be manufactured on July 7.
Reports from Autocar indicate that Ford intends to retain the last two Fiesta models produced. One of them will find a place in Ford’s German division, while the other will be added to Ford’s collection of heritage cars in the UK.
Introduced in 1976 to meet the demand for smaller and more efficient vehicles, the Fiesta quickly gained popularity and became an instant hit. It held the distinction of being the best-selling vehicle in the UK for 12 consecutive years until 2021. With over 22 million units produced worldwide, the Fiesta has made a significant impact.
Surprisingly, even after the announcement of its discontinuation, the Fiesta has maintained its popularity. According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Fiesta remains the eighth most popular car overall in the UK in 2023.
Following the end of Fiesta production, the Cologne factory will undergo reconfiguration to enable the production of Ford’s new electric Explorer, reflecting the company’s commitment to accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) efforts.
The discontinuation of the Fiesta marks another nameplate being retired by Ford, following the axing of the Mondeo in 2021 and the cessation of production for the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers earlier this year. Additionally, the Focus will conclude its production in 2025.
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As the Fiesta bids farewell, the Puma crossover has taken its place and currently holds the title of the UK’s most popular car in 2023.
Furthermore, an electric version of the Puma is scheduled to be introduced in 2024, showcasing Ford’s commitment to expanding its EV lineup.
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