The Ford Fiesta is set to be discontinued as early as next year, with Ford bosses expected to announce in the next few days that the production of the popular model will end by mid-2023, due to the rising cost of parts and drivers opting for SUVs.

Ford Fiesta

Last month, the Fiesta was still the sixth best-selling new car in the UK with 4,570 registrations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers.

A spokesman for Ford said that it was “accelerating our efforts to go all in on electrification”, and so the company is reviewing its product portfolio. He also told the BBC that the carmaker does not comment on speculation and that more information would be made available soon.

Fleet World understands Ford executives are holding talks with dealers, suppliers and staff ahead of the announcement.

Although the Fiesta is currently produced in Germany, the first Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line in Valencia, Spain in 1976, joined later by production in Dagenham. UK sales started in 1977.

It was created originally as a more fuel-efficient, small car in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis.

The company, which is now focusing on electrifying its fleet ahead of the 2030 deadline, is on track to deliver more than two million electric vehicles annually by 2026.