Ford has pledged its commitment to the European market and teased five all-new, specially developed vehicles that will spearhead the brand’s revival there.
Ford of Europe has issued an official teaser and a statement of intent for its plans to launch five new models in Europe before the end of 2029, with implications that could see changes in other markets around the world.
After culling passenger cars like the Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo in the European market, Ford’s global CEO, Jim Farley, has hinted on numerous occasions that those product gaps could soon be filled.
Now, in a pair of official company releases, the president of Ford’s European operations, Jim Baumbick, has confirmed five new passenger vehicles alongside two commercial vehicles that are extensions of existing product lines.
The new models will lean heavily on Ford’s strategic partnerships to control costs and speed development.
The so-called ‘rally-bred’ passenger cars will comprise a fourth variant in Ford’s growing Bronco portfolio, potentially the first global-market version, joining the North American, Wrangler-rivalling Bronco, medium SUV Bronco Sport, and China’s Bronco New Energy range-extender plug-in hybrid.
Unlike other members of the Bronco line-up, the new European Bronco will be a 'compact' SUV, likely similar in size to the 4.4-metre-long Explorer EV sold in Europe. Unlike the Explorer, the Euro Bronco will be a multi-energy (EV and PHEV) model, to be built in Spain and due in 2028.
The other models in the refreshed European range will see a compact electric car positioned to take the place of the retired Fiesta, and a slightly taller SUV-styled version, providing a crossover alternative. These models are set to be built on a version of Renault’s Ampere EV platform.
Another two larger multi-energy crossovers will go on sale by the end of 2029 and round out the five-car passenger vehicle portfolio, which is still heavily reliant on SUVs and provides no direct successor to the small Focus hatch and medium-sized Mondeo range.
“We’re taking the untamed spirit and soul of the Mustang and fusing it with the legendary, 'go-anywhere’ toughness of the Ranger Raptor.” Ford’s statement said of its new range.
The new vehicle line-up promises to deliver engaging dynamics with a statement from Baumbick saying: “We are entering a new era where performance isn't just about straight-line speed; it’s about the joy of the curve, the confidence on the gravel, and the grit to handle whatever the road throws at you.”
The remaining two additions to Ford’s European range will include a version of the Ranger Super Duty ute and cab-chassis, likely with localised specification changes, and the Ford Transit City, a city-distance electric van slightly smaller than the existing E-Transit Custom, but developed by Ford’s Chinese partner, JMC.
The roll-out for the expanded range in Europe is set to occur within the next three years, with the first car in showrooms set to be the Ranger Super Duty, due before the end of this year.
While Ford’s announcement was purely aimed at the European market, the wider range of vehicles could also see availability extend to overseas markets and potentially plug some of the gaps in Ford’s passenger car line-up locally, though nothing has been confirmed at this stage.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
