Popular Ford model loved by Brits is discontinued – and manufacturer’s transition to EVs is to blame
A popular Ford model will soon be discontinued due to the manufacturer’s shift to electric vehicles.
The industry giant is pivoting to an all-electric future ahead of international sales bans on new petrol and diesel cars.
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The Ford Edge is expected to be the latest victim of this process and is unlikely to be renewed in Europe next year.
The original Edge was introduced in 2007 when Ford entered the crossover SUV market.
It lasted two generations, but now seems to have come to an end.
Disputes with workers at its 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 that was based on the Ford Escape.
The Kuga currently costs £32,680 when new.
A 2024 model can currently be found 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 in the future as a hybrid model that will be produced and sold in China.
Looking at Ford’s SUV range for the entire European market, only one of them is a traditional petrol car, namely the Focus Active.
It is accompanied by the hybrid Kuga and the three fully electric models Puma, Mustang Mach-E and Explorer.
Major car brands are starting to move away from petrol power ahead of a ban on new petrol and diesel cars in the UK in 2030.
Thousands have backed the Sun’s Give Us A Brake campaign, demanding the government delay the ban until proper charging infrastructure is in place.
However, ministers appear determined to move forward, with Leveling Up Secretary Michael Gove describing the date as “unchangeable”.
In fact, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will reportedly announce tough new targets for electric vehicle sales in the coming weeks.
The British measure will then be followed by an identical ban covering the entire EU in 2035.
This comes after an engine expert explained why electric vehicles can actually be more dangerous than petrol cars.
Meanwhile, a mechanic has revealed what it means when your car’s warning lights come on for no reason.
