Drivers will see one of UK's 'most popular cars' taken off roads in November

Ford has announced it will axe a popular car model in favour of electric vehicles - despite warning of high costs for drivers. Production on the Ford Focus is expected to stop in November 2025 despite it being one of the most popular cars in the country.

Speaking to Autocar, Martin Sanders, the Europe boss for Ford stated that in the “long-run” the company is “still deeply convinced that EVs will be the future and we will see a significant increase in volume”. He said: “By the end of this year, we will have a full range of electric vehicles – both in the passenger vehicle sector but also in our commercial vehicle business line.

"We are quite flexible to adapt to market demand. For the next couple of years, we have a broad choice. Basically, our customers have the power of choice to pick what they want.” Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, warned that demand is a “key factor” in determining a car’s value.

READ MORE DWP 'scandal' grows as 156,000 people told to 'pay back' their money

He added: “So, when demand for a particular model is higher, drivers may find that its prices rise accordingly. As a family hatchback, the cars have been a particularly popular choice as they generally tend to provide more space. Despite this, Ford has made the decision to stop selling the models which may see old versions increase in value.”

Ford will not extend the Focus's life cycle beyond 2025, despite the widespread drop in electric car demand that has prompted some rival manufacturers to slow the phasing out of their combustion cars. Ford announced in 2022 that it would shut down the Focus production line in Saarlouis, Germany, in mid-2025.

Ford of Europe's head honcho Stuart Rowley confirmed the planned demise of the Focus previously. "We're seeking other alternative opportunities for vehicle production at Saarlouis, including [selling to] other manufacturers. We don't have in our planning cycle an additional model that goes into Saarlouis," he said.