Is the Ford Fiesta making a comeback as an all-electric vehicle? Ford’s collaboration with Volkswagen has sparked speculation that the beloved small car could return in an electric form. While nothing has been confirmed, Ford’s head of passenger cars for Europe, Martin Sander, has hinted at the possibility.
The Ford Fiesta was discontinued on July 7 as part of Ford’s decision to exit the small car market in Europe. Stricter emissions standards made it uneconomical for the American company to continue producing the Fiesta. However, the Cologne, Germany plant that previously manufactured the Fiesta has now been retooled to produce electric vehicles on Volkswagen’s MEB platform.
When asked about the potential for an electric equivalent to the Fiesta, Sander expressed optimism about the collaboration with Volkswagen. He stated that they have a “very constructive and positive cooperation” and are exploring opportunities to take it to the next level. While no decisions have been finalized, Sander’s refusal to rule out the possibility offers hope for fans of the Ford Fiesta.
Volkswagen already produces a small electric car, the ID.3, on the MEB platform and plans to introduce an even smaller one, the ID.2, in the near future. The company claims that the VW Polo/Ford Fiesta-sized EV will be priced at less than €25,000 ($28,098 USD). If Ford were to pursue an electric Fiesta, it could benefit from Volkswagen’s expertise and resources in developing electric vehicles.
However, Sander emphasized that Ford’s first priority is preparing its second-generation EV platform and localizing it for Europe. He stated that Ford does not have the same scale as Volkswagen or Stellantis in Europe, so it is not interested in producing vehicles that can only be sold on the continent. Ford aims to create vehicles that can be marketed globally and meet the needs of various regions.
As part of its collaboration with Volkswagen, Ford has already unveiled the all-electric Explorer in Europe. This will be followed by another electric crossover, based on the same platform, that will have a sportier feel. These electric vehicles demonstrate Ford’s commitment to transitioning to electric mobility and leveraging its partnership with Volkswagen.
While the potential return of the Ford Fiesta as an electric vehicle is exciting, it remains uncertain. Ford’s collaboration with Volkswagen opens up possibilities for sharing platforms and technologies, but the decision ultimately depends on market demand and feasibility. Ford is focused on developing its own EV platform and creating vehicles that can be sold globally.
In conclusion, the Ford Fiesta could potentially make a comeback as an all-electric vehicle thanks to Ford’s collaboration with Volkswagen. While no decisions have been finalized, there is optimism about the partnership and the potential for an electric Fiesta. Ford’s priority, however, is preparing its second-generation EV platform and creating vehicles that can be marketed globally. The collaboration with Volkswagen offers opportunities for sharing platforms and technologies, but the ultimate decision will depend on market demand and feasibility. Exciting times lie ahead for Ford and its electric vehicle lineup.