Ford confirmed it will launch five new ‘rally bred’ models by 2029 as it seeks to claw back ground in Europe.
These new cars are part of Dearborn’s new ‘Ready Set Ford‘ strategy for Europe. The plan aims to offer a multi-energy lineup with EVs and hybrids designed for European drivers’ tastes.
In Europe, Ford’s decision to axe its best-selling Focus and Fiesta models contributed to its slump in new car registrations. Sales dropped from over a million in 2019 to just 426,459 last year.
The Blue Oval’s current EV range in the UK includes the best-selling Puma Gen-E, the Mustang Mach-E, plus the Volkswagen ID-based Capri and Explorer.
WRC-Inspired Ford Fiesta to Arrive Next Year
Ford will kick things off in 2028 with an electric-only, B-segment supermini likely to be called the new Fiesta.
The new Fiesta will be built in collaboration with Renault. It’ll ride on the French manufacturer’s Ampr Small architecture, which underpins the multi-award-winning Renault 4, Renault 5, and the Alpine A290.
Ford claims this new model – along with the other four cars scheduled for arrival by the end of the decade – will be built with its motorsport heritage in mind.
The Blue Oval’s motorsport credentials include victories in the World Rally Championship and the Dakar Rally, plus wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in rallycross.
Ford says each of the new cars’ styling and handling will be ‘rally bred’. In the case of the electric Fiesta, this will be made easier by its dynamic multi-link rear suspension shared with the Alpine A290.
Ford Bronco Confirmed for Europe
The second Ford model to arrive in 2028 will be a Euro-spec Bronco SUV. Like the Fiesta, the Bronco will be a high-volume model and serve as the Blue Oval’s European flagship.
The European Bronco will offer a multi-fuel approach that could include pure electric and hybrid variants.
Not much is known about the European Ford Bronco, except it’ll be built at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain, alongside the existing Kuga SUV. Upon arrival, we expect it to carry over the rugged design that’s made it such a hit in the US following its 2021 revival.
We expect the Bronco will compete against the Toyota C-HR+, the Citroen C5 Aircross, and the upcoming Subaru e-Outback.
Renault 4-Based Puma Gen-E Replacement on the Way
Ford will also launch three new crossovers, spearheaded by a replacement for the Puma Gen-E. Unlike the current Puma Gen-E, this upcoming model will be a dedicated EV based on the Renault Ampr Small platform.
Despite adopting the same running gear as the electric Fiesta, this yet-to-be-named model will be closer in size to the larger Renault 4.
Like the rest of the upcoming Ford EV lineup, details surrounding the B-segment SUV are shrouded in mystery. However, we do know that two other SUVs will join the fold and are likely to adopt hybrid powertrains.
Ford has confirmed it’s entered strategic partnerships with another manufacturer to scale the vehicles accordingly and accelerate development times.
Nothing’s confirmed, but Ford has long been linked to a deal to joint venture with Chinese automotive giant Geely. Geely owns Volvo, Polestar, and Zeekr, and has several multi-energy platforms in its roster.
