12 April 2017

Ford ceases Europe e-Focus production

Ford has ceased production of the electric version of its Focus in Europe, saying ‘volumes are not strong enough’, writes Brian Byrne.

With just 131 units sold in 2015-2016 in all European markets, any medium term continuing sales will be of imports from the US.

The car had been built at the Ford Saarlouis plant in Germany, alongside the versions with normal powertrains.

The company will concentrate its electrification programme on petrol-hybrid vehicles, with an emphasis on LCVs such as a hybrid Transit Custom going on trial this year.

A 225km-range battery was introduced to the Focus EV last year, but clearly didn’t make an impression with customers. Ford says it may return to the pure EV passenger car business when that market matures.