Ford will drop the Fiesta, Fusion and Taurus sedans from its US line-up by 2020. The Mustang and the Focus Active crossovers will be the only Ford cars to be sold in its home market from the next decade.
Most of Ford's remaining range in the US will comprise of SUVs and pick-ups, although it might introduce new ‘white paper’ vehicles that the brand describes as combining “the best attributes of cars and utilities, such as higher ride height, space and versatility”. These changes come amidst shifting consumer demand which has seen sales of SUV models grow and demand for sedans falter.
While there is no confirmation, it seems like the Focus, which is sold in hatchback and sedan body styles, may not get the axe. The Focus also comes with the range-topping RS-spec that made headlines with its drift mode.
“We are committed to taking the appropriate actions to drive profitable growth and maximise the returns of our business over the long term,” said Ford CEO Jim Hackett. “Where we can raise the returns of underperforming parts of our business by making them more fit, we will. If appropriate returns are not on the horizon, we will shift that capital to where we can play and win.”
In its 2018 first quarter statement, Ford said that it would introduce hybrid-electric powertrains to “high-volume, profitable vehicles” such as the F-150 pick-up, Explorer, Escape and Bronco SUVs and the Mustang sports car. The American carmaker will bring its first battery electric model to market in 2020; a further 15 vehicles from its range will follow by 2022.
The brand also highlighted autonomous technology and the creation of a mobility platform as key business opportunities it will invest in.
In the Indian market, Ford is looking to cash in on the demand for more SUV-like vehicles by recently launching the Freestyle cross-hatch. Also coming soon to India from Ford are facelifts for the Figo hatchback and Aspire compact sedan, and the Endeavour SUV. Besides launching facelifts, the brand will also bring back the Ecoboost engine on the EcoSport.
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