Popular Ford model loved by Brits is discontinued – and manufacturer’s transition to EVs is to blame
A POPULAR Ford model is set to be discontinued, with the manufacturer’s transitions to EVs at fault.
The industry giant is pivoting towards an all-electric future ahead of international bans on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
The Ford Edge is expected to be the latest casualty of that process and is unlikely to be slated for renewal next year in Europe.
The original Edge was introduced in 2007 as Ford broke into the crossover SUV market.
It went through two generations but has now seemingly come to an end.
Disputes with workers at their factory in Oakville, Canada, reportedly played a role in the decision, as did the move away from fossil fuels.
In Europe, the Edge will be replaced by the Kuga, a seven-seater which itself was based on the Ford Escape.
The Kuga currently retails from new at £32,680.
A 2024 model is currently on Ford’s US website, but there is no word on its future beyond next year.
The Nautilus, a more luxurious version of the Edge, has also been renewed for next year with a significant redesign.
However, the Edge name will live on as a hybrid produced and sold in China going forward.
Looking at Ford’s SUV lineup for the European market as a whole, only one is a traditional petrol car, that being the Focus Active.
It is accompanied by the hybrid Kuga and three all-electric models, the Puma, Mustang Mach-E and Explorer.
Major car brands are beginning the shift away from petrol power ahead of a UK ban on new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.
Thousands have backed the Sun’s Give Us A Brake campaign to demand the Government delays the ban until proper charging infrastructure exists.
However, ministers appear determined to forge ahead, with Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove describing the date as “immovable“.
Indeed, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to unveil tough new targets for EV sales in the coming weeks.
The UK-wide measure is then set to be followed up by an identical prohibition covering the EU in 2035.
It comes after a motors expert explained why EVs can actually be more dangerous than petrol cars.
Meanwhile, a mechanic revealed what it means when your car’s warning lights go crazy for no reason.