Ford has stopped taking orders for new Fiesta and Focus cars in European countries, Automotive News reports citing a company rep. Apparently, the delay is caused by production difficulties.
We are told that the company continues the production of cars, but at lower volumes and only in select trims. Those who ordered their Ford recently may have to wait until the next spring to take delivery of it. Some trims and powertrains are even worse off with waiting times exceeding a full year. In addition to a lack of supplies, energy deficit in the Old World is aggravating the issue as well.
Allegedly, the company estimates its projected annual production volume in Saarlouis, Germany to drop down from the planned 195,000 Ford Focus units to just 117,000. The next year is hardly going to be much better with a projected 143,000 units.
Having said this, Ford is ready to discontinue the Focus by 2025, focusing on EVs instead. As such, the company may be getting ready for shutting down its industrial complex in Germany soon.