Ford boss hints at return of Fiesta as an electric model

Ford boss hints at return of Fiesta as an electric modelJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleTheo LeggettBusiness correspondentiStock Editorial / Getty ImagesThe Ford Fiesta was discontinued in 2023The president of Ford in Europe has strongly hinted at the return of the popular Fiesta model, which was discontinued in 2023.Jim Baumbick told the BBC he will have "news to share in the future" about the Fiesta brand, as the company announced plans to build seven new models in Europe, including a small electric hatchback, as part of a new strategy.That car is already being referred to as the "electric Fiesta" in automotive circles.Ford's new strategy, according to Baumbick, represents a return to the mass market in Europe, with the development of affordable cars.He denied that the company's plans would be too little, too late to compete with Chinese brands, which have been rapidly building market share in Europe.The new models will include three all-electric vehicles – the hatchback, a small SUV and an electric van called the Transit City.The rest will be "multi-energy" vehicles, which can be built with a variety of powertrains, including different types of hybrids.Asked directly about the potential return of the Fiesta nameplate, which was used on the company's small hatchbacks for 47 years, Baumbick stopped short of confirming the move outright – but offered a solid hint."I have nothing to share today," he said, "but I can assure you that there is no doubt in my mind."I know there's so much love for the Fiesta and the Fiesta name, and we'll have some news to share in the future."Return to affordable carsBack in the early 2020s, Ford saw a very different future for itself.It discarded its best-known brands – the Mondeo and the Fiesta – as part of a move away from affordable, everyman cars, preferring to concentrate on more upmarket models.At the same time, it set its sights on becoming...