Ford has outlined a radical plan to rebuild its European passenger car lineup with five new models over the next four years, including an electric hatchback that could revive the Fiesta name and a Bronco-inspired SUV.
The American automaker, which dominated UK and European sales charts for decades with models like the Fiesta and Focus, has seen its market share decline significantly after axing both iconic nameplates and converting its Cologne factory to produce electric SUVs on Volkswagen Group platforms.
Ford's Europe passenger car chief Jim Baumbick declared the brand's renewed ambition: "We don't just want to compete. We're here to play to win."
The five new models will span the B and C segments, which account for around 80 percent of European car sales. All will measure between 4.0 and 4.65 metres in length.
Leading the charge is a compact SUV styled after the hugely successful US-market Bronco off-roader. As part of a plan by Ford CEO Jim Farley to turn Bronco from a single model into a global sub-brand, the European Bronco will be produced from 2028 at Ford's Valencia plant alongside the existing Kuga SUV, likely sharing the C2 platform.
Baumbick said the European Bronco would be "produced in Europe and sized for the European market" while remaining true to the US model's heritage, adding that "it will be a high-volume model."
An electric hatchback and a crossover, both due in 2028, will be produced by Renault as part of a previously announced partnership. They will sit on Renault's RGMP Small platform, as used by the Renault 5 and Nissan Micra. However, Ford insists they will be bespoke products with driving dynamics and rally-inspired styling dictated by Ford engineers.
The remaining two models are described as "rally-bred crossovers" using a multi-energy platform. These plug-in hybrid models are expected to arrive before the end of 2029 and are believed to be developed in collaboration with Chinese automotive giant Geely, which owns Volvo and Polestar.
Ford is reportedly in negotiations with Geely to sell part of its Valencia plant to the Chinese firm and potentially collaborate on vehicle platforms, marking a significant shift in European automotive manufacturing partnerships.
While Baumbick declined to confirm whether the electric hatchback would carry the Fiesta name, he noted that "the history and the heritage" of Ford's classic models "is not lost on me," leaving the door open for one of the most beloved nameplates in automotive history to return.
Source: Autocar
