The Fiesta was an immediate hit when it launched in 1976 (Image: Rex / Shutterstock)
It’s time to say goodbye to the UK’s best-selling automotive.
The Ford Fiesta was launched virtually 50 years in the past in 1976 and was an immediate hit within the UK.
Though Ford is an American firm, the Fiesta – which suggests celebration in Spanish – has lengthy been thought-about a British staple.
Extra Fiestas have been offered within the UK than some other automotive mannequin, and it’s as frequent on British roads as Vauxhall Corsas or Fiat 500s.
Figures from the Driver and Automobile Licensing Company from final yr present 1.5 million of the automobiles had been registered to be used on UK roads, which is increased than some other mannequin.
The Fiesta, of which there have been seven generations, was the UK’s greatest promoting automobile yearly between 2009 and 2020, and was nonetheless the tenth hottest new automotive final yr.
The agency mentioned greater than 22 million have been produced globally, and it even succeeded within the US – which is famously recognized for its contempt of small automobiles.
The automotive has lengthy been thought-about a British staple (Image: Rex / Shutterstock)
Used Ford Fiestas are anticipated to stay fashionable for a few years to return (Image: Rex / Shutterstock)
Extra Fiestas have been offered within the UK than some other automotive mannequin (Image: Rex / Shutterstock)
However all good issues should come to an finish, and the ultimate Fiesta will likely be made at Ford’s manufacturing unit in Cologne, Germany.
It has been reported that the ultimate two automobiles to return off the meeting line at the moment will likely be saved by Ford.
One will keep in Germany and the opposite will go its UK heritage assortment.
Ford introduced the top of Fiesta manufacturing in October final yr, because it shifts its focus in direction of electrical automobiles as an alternative.
It axed the Mondeo in 2021 and the S-Maxx and Galaxy folks carriers earlier this yr.
One of many first Ford Fiestas pictured in 1977 (Image: Rex / Shutterstock)
Ford introduced the top of Fiesta manufacturing in October final yr (Image: Rex / Shutterstock)
The agency is now shifting its focus in direction of electrical automobiles (Image: Rex / Shutterstock)
Manufacturing of the Ford Focus will finish in 2025.
Alex Buttle, co-founder of used automotive market Motorway, thinks the automotive will stay fashionable for a few years to return.
He mentioned: ‘We proceed to see excessive demand for the Ford Fiesta, as our supplier companions stay eager to inventory their forecourts with this modern-day traditional.
‘And with the common offered value of Ford Fiestas rising by 14% in the previous few months alone, it’s a testomony to the recognition of this timeless mannequin.
‘The ceasing of manufacturing of recent Ford Fiestas could imply the top of an period, however the used automotive market will proceed respiration life into this a lot sought-after automotive for years forward.’
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