Ford Ends Fiesta Production to Accommodate Electric Explorer SUV: A Shift towards Sustainable Mobility

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In a significant move towards sustainable mobility, Ford Motor Company has announced the discontinuation of its long-standing and popular Fiesta hatchback in Europe. The production of the final Ford Fiesta is scheduled to conclude on July 7 at the Cologne plant in Germany. This decision comes as Ford prepares to make way for the electric Ford Explorer SUV, which will be produced at the newly inaugurated Cologne Electric Vehicle Center.


Ford's Transition to Electric Mobility:

With the opening of the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center on June 12, Ford solidifies its commitment to electric mobility. Martin Sander, the general manager of Ford Model e Europe, explained that the company chose the Cologne plant as the production site for its first high-volume electric vehicle. This strategic decision necessitated the discontinuation of Fiesta production in order to repurpose the plant into a fully battery-electric facility.


The Carbon-Neutral Cologne EV Center:

Ford's Cologne EV Center stands as the company's first carbon-neutral factory, a milestone in its sustainability initiatives. Following a substantial $2 billion investment, the facility is set to commence production of the electric Ford Explorer SUV later this year. Built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, this two-row mid-size electric SUV will mark Ford's first volume all-electric passenger car manufactured in Europe.


Unveiling the Electric Ford Explorer SUV:

Although specific powertrain details have yet to be revealed, Ford promises a responsive and refined driving experience with the Explorer EV. The SUV will offer both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive battery-electric powertrain options, ensuring versatile performance for consumers. Moreover, the Explorer EV will support DC fast charging, enabling charging times as low as 25 minutes for a 10 percent to 80 percent charge. Ford aims to price the electric Explorer competitively, targeting a starting price under $49,150 (45,000 euros) when orders open later this year in Europe.


Expanding Ford's Electric Lineup in Europe:

The introduction of the electric Explorer marks the beginning of Ford's ambitious plans to expand its electric vehicle offerings in Europe. The company envisions a total of nine all-electric vehicles to be introduced in the region by 2024. Alongside the Explorer, Ford plans to launch a second MEB-based "sports crossover" model in mid-2024, which will be produced in Cologne. Additionally, the Puma EV, the E-Transit Courier, and the E-Tourneo Courier small electric vans will be manufactured in Craiova, Romania, starting in 2024.

Ford's Model e-Division and Future Outlook:

Under its Model e-division, Ford aims to sell 600,000 electric vehicles annually in Europe by 2026. This aggressive target demonstrates the company's determination to play a leading role in the transition to electric mobility. In a bold move, Ford has also announced its plan to sell only electric vehicles in Europe starting in 2030, aligning with the region's growing sustainability goals and customer preferences.


Ford's decision to discontinue Fiesta production and prioritize the electric Ford Explorer SUV exemplifies the company's commitment to a sustainable future. By repurposing the Cologne plant into a fully battery-electric facility, Ford is taking a significant step towards reducing emissions and embracing electric mobility. With an expanding lineup of electric vehicles in Europe, Ford is poised to play a prominent role in shaping the future of transportation while meeting the evolving demands of environmentally conscious consumers.

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