End of an era: The last Ford Focus rolls off the production line after 27 years
After 27 years, Ford stops production of the Focus model
On November 15, 2025, a major chapter in European automotive history came to an end. The last Ford Focus was produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany, marking the end of a legendary 27-year career. With no direct replacement in its segment, the Focus is officially retiring, symbolizing the American automaker's radical pivot to electric vehicles, particularly SUVs and crossovers.
The uncertain future of the Saarlouis plant
The decision to stop production of the Focus was announced back in 2022, part of the "Blue Oval" strategy to focus on electrification and more profitable segments. With the Focus, the Saarlouis plant will cease its car production. Although Ford has put the facility up for sale and held talks with Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, a long-term buyer has not yet been found.
The news brings uncertainty, despite the fact that about 1,000 employees will be retained to produce components and spare parts. The fact that Ford chose to move production of electric platforms to Valencia, Spain, and Cologne, Germany, led to the loss of thousands of jobs in Saarlouis.
Consequences on the European market: Ford's decline
The Focus' withdrawal comes two years after the end of production of the other sales pillar, the Ford Fiesta. The elimination of these two iconic models, which dominated Ford's sales for decades, had a drastic impact on the brand's position in the European market.
Ford, which was Europe's second-largest automaker in 2015, slipped to 12th place in 2024. According to the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers, the American brand has lost half of the market share it had a decade ago. The decline reflects the brand's focus on larger vehicles, while European consumers remain attached to compact, fuel-efficient cars.
A success story: Focus in numbers
Launched in 1998 as the successor to the popular Ford Escort, the Focus quickly became a benchmark in the compact class.
The first generation (Mk1), produced until 2004, innovated with its "New Edge" design and won the European Car of the Year award (1999). A facelift was applied in 2001.
The second generation (Mk2) arrived in 2004, was produced until 2010 and received a facelift in 2008.
The third generation (Mk3) covered the period 2010 – 2018, being updated with a facelift in 2014.
The fourth and final generation (Mk4) appeared in 2018 and received its final facelift in 2022, before production was halted in 2025.
Over its 27 years, the Ford Focus has surpassed 12 million units sold worldwide, leaving a solid legacy in the compact segment.
The Future: An Electric Successor, But Different
Although there will be no "Focus 5" with a combustion engine, Ford is not completely giving up on the C-segment. The model will have an indirect successor, a 100% electric compact SUV, scheduled for launch around 2027. This will have to fill a huge gap left by the Focus and Fiesta and reconcile Ford with the European market, in a period of complex transition towards electric mobility.
By then, the Ford Focus will go down in history, leaving behind the memory of a model that defined the compact class for almost three decades.
The focus remains on the roads: Rental possibilities
Although production of the Ford Focus has stopped, this does not mean that it will disappear from European roads immediately. Due to the large number of units sold, the Focus will continue to be a regular presence in traffic and, most importantly, in rental car fleets.
For example, for those who want to continue to experience the maneuverability and comfort offered by the Focus or who need a compact yet spacious vehicle in the local market, car rental agencies continue to offer them.
One example is PHP rent a car Cluj office, which offers Ford models for rent. The company offers customers the opportunity to rent the Ford Focus, describing the sedan, station wagon, or hatchback variants as perfect for traveling. Thus, even after the end of production, the Focus remains an affordable and popular option for temporary transportation needs, keeping the legacy of this symbol of the compact class alive.