Ford confirm its ‘goodbye’ to the Focus

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

Ford has reaffirmed its plans to end production of its top selling Focus model next year.

This is a car that has notched up over 16 million sales worldwide since its launch in 1998, including 1.5 million motors in the UK.

Despite widespread reports of a decline in drivers swapping over to electric cars, Ford say they are committed to an all EV line-up sooner rather than later.

In fact, Ford aim to offer all its European models in either electric or hybrid by 2026.

Ford Europe’s General Manager, Martin Sander said: “We are deeply convinced that EVs will be the future and we will see a significant increase in volume.”

It’s expected the last petrol-powered Focus will roll off the assembly lines in Germany in November 2025.

Looking back to this successor to the popular Escort, there is little doubt the Focus will become a future classic, starting with the ‘New Edge’ design of the early Mk 1 version.

It was a bold look that helped Ford win European Car of the Year in 1999. The Mk 1 ran for six years and offered 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines plus a 1.8 litre diesel option.

Many might be scrapped now, but with over 130,000 sold in its final year alone there are still good examples out there.

Whilst we lament the end of a great name, it’s also a good time to grab an early Ford Focus if you haven’t already got one? Models like the lively ST170 and RS models are rarer and much sought after.

Whatever your choice, prices are only likely to go one way.

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