Ford stops production of the Focus ST: the end of an era for sporty hatchbacks.

According to Korrespondent.net: Ford has officially completed the production of the Focus ST model. The last car of this type, painted in red, rolled off the assembly line at the factory in Saarlouis (Germany), as reported by Carscoops. The manufacturer did not prepare any special series or commemorative recognition to mark this significant event.

History of the Focus ST

The Focus ST first appeared in 2002 under the name ST170, becoming the successor to the North American version SVT. Throughout its existence, which spans four generations, it has become one of the most beloved sporty hatchbacks in Europe. The current generation, introduced in 2019, was equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo engine with 276 hp and a six-speed manual transmission. Although this model does not have the extreme power and all-wheel drive like the Focus RS, it successfully competed with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Renault Megane RS, and Hyundai i30 N.

Changes in production

The cessation of Focus ST production is part of a broader transformation at Ford. Already in November, the company plans to cease production of the entire Focus lineup, effectively marking the manufacturer's exit from the traditional passenger car segment in Europe. In the future, Ford's regional portfolio will consist of only crossovers and SUVs.

We also remind that it was previously reported that Ford plans to develop a new crossover to replace the Focus in Europe.

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The completion of Focus ST production underscores Ford's strategy to shift production towards crossovers and SUVs, which aligns with current market demands. Over time, we may see more innovations in the segment, where the company hopes to leave its mark, aiming for the growing interest in off-road models in Europe.