Ford EcoSport to make a comeback in Europe

After its India exit, Ford Europe stopped the production of the EcoSport, its smallest SUV, owing to slowing sales in 2022. However, reports said that the EcoSport nameplate could return next year to target high-volume sales in the region. Before the plug was pulled on the EcoSport, the assembly was done at its Craiova plant in Romania. 

Other important models that have seen the end of their days include the Fiesta and Focus. Ford may aim to fill the void with EcoSport’s return in 2025. 

Prospective patent filed in India

Ford filed a patent early this year for a mid-size SUV raising speculations of EcoSport’s new design. Just looking at the images, it looks nothing like the older generation and features an all-new headlight setup with LED DRLs. Ford’s triple vertical LEDs were seen in a rendered image positioned under the headlights. From the bumper to the alloy wheels, every detail has been changed. Rivals in the domestic market here include the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. 

Recent reports, however, claim that the car manufacturer has no plans to launch the SUV in India but Endeavour (Everest globally) may be introduced.

Competition

While production will see its base change to Valencia, Spain, the SUV will get two powertrains - petrol and electric. Hybrid may also be offered, reports said further. Before going out of production the EcoSport raked in sales figures of up to 50,000 annually. It will sit under the Puma crossover SUV and if Ford gets the pricing correct it can achieve its high sales volume target. 

With the Dacia Duster getting a generational upgrade, its position in the best-selling SUVs has been cemented further and it remains to be seen how Ford positions the SUV.

Also read - Ford likely to launch Endeavour & Ranger in India; no EcoSport