- What did William Ford say about the absence of passenger cars?
- Will We See New Models in America and Europe?
- Is Ford Heading Toward a New Collaboration with Volkswagen?
- From Leaving Regular Cars to Bringing Them Back
- What does this mean for GCC markets?
In recent years, FordUAE FordKSA FordBahrain FordEgypt FordKuwait FordOman FordQatar Ford has shifted much of its focus toward trucks, SUVs, and vans, but the iconic American brand is now preparing to bring traditional passenger cars back into the spotlight. Ford Returns to Traditional Cars as William Clay Ford Jr., great grandson of the company’s founder and executive chairman since 2006, revealed that the company recognizes its weak presence in the passenger car segment and is currently developing a new strategy that will restore this category to prominence. The move aims to satisfy car enthusiasts worldwide, including key markets in the GCC region where Ford has long held a strong position.
What did William Ford say about the absence of passenger cars?
In an interview with Autocar, William Ford admitted that the company is no longer strong enough in the passenger car segment after discontinuing models such as the Ka, Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion. He emphasized that there is a clear gap in Ford’s lineup that needs to be addressed, confirming that a new strategy is currently in development and that customers will be pleasantly surprised by the upcoming models.
At present, Ford’s passenger car offerings are limited to a few models like the Mustang, which is considered a niche vehicle rather than a mainstream option. The Taurus is sold only in select markets, further highlighting how restricted the company’s passenger car lineup has become.
Will We See New Models in America and Europe?
So far, Ford has not confirmed whether the upcoming passenger cars will make it to the American market. In the past, rumors suggested the company was working on a four door Mustang sedan, internally nicknamed Mach 4, but Ford never gave the project an official green light.
In Europe, however, a report from Automobilwoche revealed that Ford dealers have already been notified about new cars in the pipeline. The move seems logical as sales of electric models like the Explorer and Capri have struggled, pushing Ford to backtrack on its earlier commitment to go fully electric in Europe by 2030.
Is Ford Heading Toward a New Collaboration with Volkswagen?
The discussion about Ford’s future brings back the prospect of renewed collaboration with VolkswagenUAE VolkswagenEgypt VolkswagenKSA VolkswagenOman VolkswagenBahrain VolkswagenKuwait VolkswagenQatar Volkswagen. Martin Sanders, Volkswagen’s head of sales and marketing and formerly CEO of Ford Europe, hinted that the two companies may continue working together in the future. However, he did not clarify whether this would involve additional electric vehicles built on VW’s MEB platform or combustion engine cars based on the MQB architecture.
Such a partnership could give Ford the advantage of reducing costs while bringing new models to market more quickly. This strategy would not only benefit European markets but could also extend to regions like the GCC, where demand for gasoline powered cars remains strong.
From Leaving Regular Cars to Bringing Them Back
Interestingly, this comeback marks a clear shift from CEO Jim Farley’s statement last year, when he declared that Ford would abandon what he called boring cars to focus on high margin iconic models. At the time, Farley admitted that vehicles like the Focus and Fusion were well loved by customers, but they did not generate enough profit to justify further investment compared to the company’s profitable trucks and SUVs.
Today, however, the equation seems to have changed. Reviving passenger cars does not signal a step backward, but rather a rebalancing between Ford’s commercial ambitions and customer needs. The upcoming models are expected to be built on a more stable financial foundation that can ensure stronger profitability, opening the door for Ford to potentially return as a serious contender in this segment.
What does this mean for GCC markets?
The Gulf markets, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, remain a key destination for global carmakers. Customers in the region are constantly seeking a balance between practical daily cars, premium sedans, and sporty models. If Ford manages to reintroduce passenger cars with competitive design, advanced technology, and attractive pricing, its comeback could be strong in this part of the world.
Buyers in the GCC value variety, from practical SUVs to luxury sedans and performance cars. This diversity is exactly what Ford has delivered in the past, blending strong performance with good value, and it may well return to offering the same mix in the near future.
