RIP: Another Iconic Hot Hatch Literally Reaches The End Of The Line

A user on Reddit shared a couple of images of what certainly seems to be the very last Focus ST at the factory in Saarlouis, Germany. In fact, the sign hanging in the windshield of the red hatchback translates to "Very last Focus ST," with the production date of September 26 at the bottom.

The Rest Of The Focus Line Is Close Behind
As previously announced, the ST isn't the only Focus to get the axe. The whole line-up as we know it is going away, and production of all Focus models will end sometime in November. That doesn't mean there isn't hope for a possible comeback. Reportedly, the model name will be revived as an EV crossover in 2027. It would likely fall somewhere between the subcompact Ford Puma, itself an in-house Ford product, and the Ford Capri, a Volkswagen MEB-based EV roughly comparable to the Ford Escape in size. That potential new Focus would not be built in Germany, though, instead moving to the Kuga plant in Valencia, Spain.

We're Not Counting On A Future Focus For America
While odds are better than ever of Ford possibly bringing a Focus back to America, especially as a crossover, we're still not getting our hopes up. The company made it clear it wasn't interested in cars anymore for the American market, and it killed off the Fiesta and Focus here a generation ahead of their end dates in Europe. The Fusion sedan also went away. In the meantime, the company has focused on pickup trucks and more off-road-focused vehicles across price points. It even launched the Bronco Sport and Maverick at the low end, offering similar functionality and pricing as some of its car variants. Plus, it still has the Escape for more conventional family car buyers. Ford's even planning its affordable EV for America to be a pickup truck, which it claims will start at less than $30,000.

With all of that said, the reason we're not completely ruling out a Focus revival in America is because of some statements from Ford executives. This year, Ford's executive chair Bill Ford expressed concerns about falling sales and a lack of cars. The company's CEO, Jim Farley, has also talked about wanting Americans to be interested in smaller, lighter vehicles again the year before. It would seem like some sort of crossover offering that could slot below Escape and Bronco Sport would be a good move for the company, and a Focus could be that vehicle. However, it's also possible that Ford would create something more specifically targeted at the U.S. market, rather than importing the European-designed Focus. We also have yet to see what this mystery electric pickup will be. Some reports suggest it may be even more car-like than the Maverick, which may have more broad appeal with consumers.