The Fiesta was an instant hit when it launched in 1976 (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock)
It’s time to say goodbye to the UK’s best-selling car.
The Ford Fiesta was launched almost 50 years ago in 1976 and was an instant hit in the UK.
Although Ford is an American company, the Fiesta – which means party in Spanish – has long been considered a British staple.
More Fiestas have been sold in the UK than any other car model, and it is as common on British roads as Vauxhall Corsas or Fiat 500s.
Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency from last year show 1.5 million of the cars were registered for use on UK roads, which is higher than any other model.
The Fiesta, of which there were seven generations, was the UK’s best selling vehicle every year between 2009 and 2020, and was still the 10th most popular new car last year.
The firm said more than 22 million have been produced globally, and it even succeeded in the US – which is famously known for its contempt of small cars.
The car has long been considered a British staple (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock)
Used Ford Fiestas are expected to remain popular for many years to come (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock)
More Fiestas have been sold in the UK than any other car model (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock)
But all good things must come to an end, and the final Fiesta will be made at Ford’s factory in Cologne, Germany.
It has been reported that the final two cars to come off the assembly line today will be kept by Ford.
One will stay in Germany and the other will go its UK heritage collection.
Ford announced the end of Fiesta production in October last year, as it shifts its focus towards electric cars instead.
It axed the Mondeo in 2021 and the S-Maxx and Galaxy people carriers earlier this year.
One of the first Ford Fiestas pictured in 1977 (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock)
Ford announced the end of Fiesta production in October last year (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock)
The firm is now shifting its focus towards electric cars (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock)
Production of the Ford Focus will end in 2025.
Alex Buttle, co-founder of used car marketplace Motorway, thinks the car will remain popular for many years to come.
He said: ‘We continue to see high demand for the Ford Fiesta, as our dealer partners remain keen to stock their forecourts with this modern-day classic.
‘And with the average sold price of Ford Fiestas increasing by 14% in the last few months alone, it’s a testament to the popularity of this timeless model.
‘The ceasing of production of new Ford Fiestas may mean the end of an era, but the used car market will continue breathing life into this much sought-after car for years ahead.’
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