Ford To Cease Mondeo Production From 2022
Published Date: 7th Apr 2021
Ford have announced they will cease production of the Mondeo, their traditional large hatchback by March 2022. Ford say the decision is largely due to the changes in demand and part of a transition to electric-powered vehicles.
The Mondeo has seen an 80% drop in sales from its heyday/peak sales when terms like ‘Mondeo Man’ were commonplace.
There is no doubt the demise of the Mondeo can be put down largely to increased demand for popular SUV/Crossover models, with so many people turning to SUVs over traditional large hatchbacks and saloons. Indeed almost 40% of Ford sales are now SUV/Crossover vehicles with models like the new Ford Kuga SUV proving extremely popular.
For those looking for a spacious family car there is still the option of a traditional MPV as Ford say production of the S-MAX and Galaxy will continue, moving forward, both will be offered with a full hybrid powertrain line-up.
Indeed, Ford have already confirmed that the additional production resources will be used to crank-up manufacture of its 2.5-litre hybrid engine currently seen in models like the Ford Kuga PHEV and Galaxy/S-MAX MPVs.
Ford has even extended the Fiesta and Focus its biggest selling models in the UK in recent years in response to increased demand for Crossovers.
The additional Fiesta Active and Active X models bring an SUV flavour to the small Fiesta putting it almost in a segment of its own or at least competing with just a small number of compact SUVs like the Nissan Juke.
The Fiesta Active/Active X models still retain a lot of the drivability of the original Fiesta, it’s built on the same Fiesta platform and although you can’t fling it around corners quite as enthusiastically as the standard Fiesta due to its higher stance it’s still extremely rewarding to drive.
The Ford Focus Active, Active X and Active X Vignale range gets similar treatment to the Fiesta Active range with a higher driving position, more rugged exterior styling, and additional drive modes to tackle more demanding driving conditions, making it an attractive proposition for those looking for a medium-sized family car who favour the higher stance and driving position of a Crossover.