By EOIN MAHER

After almost 50 years and seven generations, the Ford Fiesta will be discontinued this year.

On sale since 1976, production costs, a reduction in sales and market changes were cited as reasons for the model’s demise.

Originally designed to be frugal and affordable during the 1970s oil crisis, the name ‘Fiesta’ was personally chosen by Henry Ford II.

More than 100,000 units were sold in its first year, a mere drop in the ocean compared to the 22 million that have been bought since then. The Fiesta became the most popular new car in Ireland and the UK between 2009 and 2020.

In a tribute, Ford UK said: “It wasn’t a big car, not a fancy car, but a car for the people. And the people loved it.”

Ultimately profit, or a lack thereof, was the final nail in the Fiesta’s coffin.

“It’s a pity to see the end of the Fiesta but it’s a sign of the times,” said motoring journalist Geraldine Herbert. “The fact is, making a small car that is both affordable and profitable to car makers is becoming less and less viable.”

Declan Kenny, a salesman from Sheils Ford, Galway said: “Ford are going into full electrification next year. With the price of raw materials and everything else out there today it just wasn’t feasible to continue with that vehicle on the range.”

Ford’s larger Puma crossover (and pending electric variant) will be assuming the Fiesta’s spot as the brand’s entry entry-level model. However, Fiesta sales, especially second-hand, remain strong.

“They’re really, really bread and butter for us around here. They’re a fantastic seller, the best seller in the Ford range and as long as I’ve known Ford, about seven or eight years now, that’s always been the case,” Mr Kenny explained

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.

Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite  HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.