Is the Ford Fiesta Coming Back as an Electric Car?

Will the Ford Fiesta make a comeback as an electric car? Only time will tell as Ford explores new possibilities.

The Ford Fiesta, the popular entry-level nameplate, recently ceased production. But is there a chance for a revival? Ford of Europe’s passenger cars boss hints at the possibility of a Fiesta comeback, this time on an electric platform provided by Volkswagen. Let’s dig into the details.

After 47 years and over 22 million sales worldwide, Ford has decided to discontinue the current Fiesta to prioritize more profitable models. However, Ford of Europe’s passenger cars boss, Martin Sander, suggests that the story might not be over for the Fiesta just yet. He hints at the possibility of a Fiesta revival on an electric platform.

Ford is considering a potential partnership with Volkswagen for this revival. Volkswagen’s new MEB Entry platform, designed for light cars and crossovers, could be the perfect match. When asked about the possibility, Sander maintains that Ford has a positive and constructive relationship with Volkswagen and they are exploring opportunities to take it to the next level.

Sander acknowledges that small vehicles like the Fiesta have smaller profit margins compared to larger models. He emphasizes Ford’s global approach and the need for products that work across different regions. Ford wants to understand the challenges and requirements of building a competitive and profitable electric small car.

While the Fiesta might not be the heartland of Ford Motor Company, Sander mentions the possibility of creating derivatives or modified versions of the car that are suitable for specific markets. However, Ford’s focus remains on building globally competitive products that cater to North America, Europe, and other parts of the world.

In 2019, Ford already discontinued the Fiesta in North America, leaving only the Mustang and GT in their passenger car lineup. The Fiesta’s penultimate generation was manufactured in several countries, but its final and seventh generation was produced exclusively in Germany.

The partnership between Ford and Volkswagen has already resulted in shared platforms. Ford’s Ranger and Volkswagen’s Amarok share a ute platform, while VW’s MEB electric vehicle platform has been lent to Ford for its European-market Explorer and an upcoming ‘sports crossover.’ Ford has also rebadged Volkswagen’s Caddy as the Tourneo Connect, and the next-generation Transporter will be based on the upcoming Transit Custom.

Ford is also working on its own second-generation EV platform, set to debut in the US with a pickup and three-row SUV. Sander confirms that this platform will be adapted for European markets, allowing them to receive derivatives of Ford’s global cars.

While there are plans for Ford to have its own competitive platform, it’s unclear if the MEB-based Explorer and its ‘sports crossover’ sibling, which will be built at the Fiesta’s former plant, will be sold in other markets aside from Europe.

Ford recognizes the importance of global scale in order to compete with other global brands. Sander emphasizes that they will not create new exclusive platforms or technologies solely for Europe, as scaling globally is crucial to their competitiveness.

• Ford Fiesta production has come to an end
• Ford is exploring the possibility of bringing back the Fiesta on an electric platform
• A potential partnership with Volkswagen’s MEB Entry platform is being considered
• Ford wants to understand the feasibility of making an electric small car profitable
• The focus for Ford is on globally competitive products

The Ford Fiesta’s retirement might not be the end of its story. Ford is exploring the possibility of bringing back the Fiesta as an electric car, potentially through a partnership with Volkswagen. While small vehicles have smaller profit margins, Ford’s focus remains on building globally competitive products. The future of the Fiesta revival and its availability in different markets is still uncertain.