Ford to axe Fiesta model next year

The Ford Fiesta is set to be discontinued as early as next year, due to rising component costs and drivers opting for SUVs.

Ford bosses are expected to announce in the next few days that the production of the model will cease by mid-2023.

It is understood that executives are holding talks with dealers, suppliers and staff ahead of the announcement.

Ford has sold 4.8 million Fiestas in 46 years and it had 12 consecutive years as the biggest seller from 2009 to 2020.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed it was the sixth bestselling car in September, but reports have suggested that Ford has no plans to electrify the model.

A spokesman for Ford said that it was "accelerating our efforts to go all in on electrification", and so the company is reviewing the portfolio of cars it has on offer.

He told the BBC that the carmaker does not comment on speculation and that more information would be made available soon.

In 2022, the Ford Fiesta has been the most advertised car on the Auto Trader marketplace, with circa 108,000 separate listings.

Erin Baker, editorial director at Auto Trader said: “Sources yesterday have reported that Ford is set to axe production of the Ford Fiesta after 46 years and 4.8 million sales.

“It’s a shame to see that the end is in sight for this iconic car. Our data shows that the Fiesta was the most advertised car on our marketplace this year with over 100,000 listings.

“Although it’s sad to see such an icon disappear from the market, it should enable one of the biggest car brands to really knuckle down on EVs and make them more accessible to more car buyers, which is a very positive step in the right direction.”

The company, which is investing £43.bn globally through 2026 to electrify its fleet, said it is on track to deliver more than two million electric vehicles (EVs) annually by 2026 and have promised four all-new, battery-powered cars and five vans by 2024.