Answer
Sep 29, 2024 - 12:42 AM
The Ford Focus RS was discontinued primarily due to several factors:
- High Development Costs: Developing a new generation of the Focus RS, particularly incorporating electrification or hybrid elements, became prohibitively expensive. The need to add advanced technology to meet consumer and regulatory demands significantly increased costs.
- Emissions Regulations: Stricter emissions standards in Europe made it difficult to produce a high-performance vehicle like the Focus RS while adhering to lower CO2 emissions targets. Meeting these regulations with a powerful, turbocharged engine would have required substantial engineering changes.
- Market Shift: Consumer preferences have shifted towards SUVs and crossovers in recent years, prompting Ford to focus more on these higher-demand segments. As a result, lower sales potential for hot hatchbacks like the RS played a role in the decision.
- Global Semiconductor Shortage: The worldwide shortage of semiconductors impacted production priorities across the automotive industry, and Ford redirected resources to other vehicles that are more profitable in the current market landscape.
These factors, combined, contributed to the end of the Focus RS line, which is a bit of a loss for enthusiasts.
