The current global crisis has created a crisis in the car market as well, and thus great pressure on car manufacturers. Yet some models manage to retain customer interest, such as crossover models. Demand for other car models is declining which could lead to a reduction in their production, such as the Ford Focus model.

According to Automobilwoche, Ford will reduce production of the Focus at the Saarlouis plant by August 29, and the destiny of the plant itself is also in question. Ford has not confirmed investments in the plant, while it is already known that two billion euros will be invested in the modernization of the Cologne plant and plants in Craiova, Romania.

The Saarlouis plant currently employs 6,190 people and produces Focus and sports ST models. Waiting lists have been extended to 12 months, due to a shortage of parts. The biggest problem is the shortage of SYNC 4 systems produced in Ukraine.

The situation is no better with other large manufacturers, which are slowly losing market dominance. Thus, demand for VW cars fell by more than 25% last month. Škoda sales fell by almost 50%, while the Golf dropped out of the top 50.

Source: Automobilwoche

Recently, Ford unveiled a refreshed Fiesta for the European market. Now, a similar treatment has been performed on the 2022 Ford Focus.

At the front of the redesigned Focus are new LED lights. Advanced automatic adaptive lights, which ensure an optimally illuminated road without disturbing the driver from the opposite direction, are available at an additional cost.

Focus ST is painted in a shade of green (Mean Green). It is equipped with redesigned seats and new aluminum wheels. Inside, the main novelty is Ford’s latest multimedia system SYNC4, which is controlled via a 13.2-inch display, and which now includes air conditioning controls.

The Focus ST will be offered in a more practical station wagon version powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 280 hp (206 kW).

The petrol models are powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo engine (EcoBoost) with 125 hp (92 kW) and 155 hp (114 kW) assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Power is transmitted to the front axle via a 6-speed manual or automatic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The standard petrol engine has 100 and 125 hp.

The 1.5-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel engine (EcoBlue) with 95 hp (70 kW) also remains on offer. The more powerful version has 120 hp (88 kW). The engine is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A more powerful model can be obtained with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Source: Ford