Let’s pull back the curtains and shake the dust off Ford’s European adventure. For years, it’s felt like Ford Europe was stuck in some kind of hibernation, with a lineup that increasingly resembled a showroom full of SUVs and vans, while icons like the Fiesta and Focus were quietly ushered out the door. But hold onto your hats, because Ford’s big boss, that guy with the cowboy hat and a love for American muscle cars, has made a bold promise to his European dealers: new models are coming! And that’s exactly what this continent needs—a hefty dose of Ford swagger to stir things up.
Ford’s European story of late has been a bit like an old pickup truck: dependable, but hardly sexy. The Fiesta, once the darling of the compact class, was unceremoniously sidelined. The Focus, which used to thrill car enthusiasts with its razor-sharp handling, is also on the chopping block. And let’s not even start on the Mondeo, Galaxy, and S-Max, which packed their bags ages ago. What was left? A handful of SUVs, a few vans your grandma could sell, a pickup, and—let’s be real—the only true star, the Mustang. But a brand can’t survive on muscle and nostalgia alone. Sales figures in Europe were downright dismal, and dealers were tearing their hair out, begging for something fresh, something new, something more than just a high ride height and a battery.
Then came the good news. Ford’s top dog, like a modern-day Moses, promised dealers a new wave of models tailored for Europe. No vague promises, no hot air—just real cars meant to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Volkswagen, BMW, and Dacia. What can we expect? Nobody knows exactly what’s up their sleeve, but the rumor mill is in overdrive. There’s talk of a possible Fiesta successor—electric, of course, because in 2025, that’s pretty much the dress code for any new car. Then there’s the Ford Puma Gen-E, a compact crossover that already shows Ford is taking electric driving seriously, with a generous dash of fun to spice things up.
Let’s step back and look at the bigger picture. Ford’s strategy in Europe has felt a bit like throwing darts blindfolded. They missed the boat on hybrids and fully electric cars, and when they finally rolled out the Mustang Mach-E, it was a solid effort but too big and too pricey for the average European buyer. The Puma and Kuga held their own, but let’s face it: in a market where everyone and their dog is building SUVs, standing out is tough. And we haven’t even mentioned the Chinese invasion, with brands like BYD flooding the European market with bargain prices and cutting-edge tech. Ford had to do something, and fast, or they’d end up as a museum piece next to an old Model T.
But Ford wouldn’t be Ford without a bit of bravado. The promise of new models isn’t just a marketing stunt; it’s a signal they’re taking Europe seriously again. And that’s great news, because this brand has a history of building cars that aren’t just practical but also put a grin on your face. Think of the Focus RS, hurling you through corners like a rally car. Or the Fiesta ST, a pocket rocket that left many a supercar in the dust on a twisty road. If Ford can bring back that kind of magic, but in an electric package, then we’ve got something to look forward to.
Of course, there are still bumps in the road. The European market is a minefield of strict emissions standards, sky-high taxes, and consumers increasingly opting for used petrol or diesel cars over shiny new EVs. Then there’s the competition, which isn’t exactly twiddling its thumbs. BMW boasts four models in Belgium’s top 20 sales list, while Ford doesn’t have a single one. Ouch. But if any brand knows how to climb out of a rut, it’s Ford. They invented the assembly line, for crying out loud. A few new models should be well within their reach.
So, what’s in store? Maybe a compact electric hatchback to make us forget the Fiesta, or an affordable EV to take on the Dacia Spring and the upcoming Volkswagen ID.1. Perhaps a sporty crossover to elevate the Puma Gen-E to new heights. Whatever it is, Ford has promised it’s coming, and if they get it right, they could once again be a major player in Europe. Because, let’s be honest, a world without an affordable, fun Ford is like a barbecue without sausages—it’s doable, but it’s just not the same.
For those already itching to dive into the electric future, check out our marketplace at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/. You’ll find a slew of 100% electric cars ready to surprise you. Why wait for Ford’s comeback when you can drive plugged-in today?