Farewell to the Fiesta

In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, Ford bosses have announced that the production of one of the UK’s most beloved models, the Fiesta, will end next year.

The motoring giant is scrapping production in a landmark move. Since it came to these shores in 1976, the Fiesta became the bestselling car in UK motoring history. Nearly five million were sold in the UK and the humble hatchback reigned at the top of the sales charts for more than a decade from 2009.

Now, though, the Fiesta is being discontinued. And Ford will, to help ease customers’ sense of loss, put production of its new electric ‘crossover’ vehicle into gear.

The move is in response to a scandal surrounding CO2 emissions, something which is currently under a legal microscope following the recent discovery of ‘defeat devices’ in emissions testing.

‘Dieselgate’ began when Volkswagen, who also manufacture Audis, Skodas and premium models such as Lamborghinis, Bentleys and Porsches among others, faced regulatory action over some of their vehicles in the USA in 2015.

The defeat devices sensed when the vehicle was under test conditions and adjusted the levels of carbon dioxide being emitted.

When testing was complete, they reverted to their ‘real-world’ emissions which, in some cases, was up to 40 times the permitted levels.

While insisting that they admit no liability, Volkswagen is paying out nearly £200million to settle a High Court claim over use of the cheat software fitted to 1.2m cars in England and Wales.

Since then, many other manufacturers have joined the list, including Ford.

Claims are currently ongoing against multiple manufacturers after allegations that they used the illegal devices in their diesel vehicles to cheat the emissions tests carried out by regulators. Law firms across the globe, including the UK, are arguing that the vehicles produce more harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution than advertised. This means the vehicles had been mis-sold to well-meaning consumers who believed they were acting in the environment’s interests and saving money on fuel economy.

Vehicles made between 2007 and 2018 by roughly 20 manufacturers are currently included in legal action, and more could yet join that number.

You could be due money back if you leased or bought the vehicle, even if you no longer have it, based on the following:

You’d never have bought the vehicle had you known about the alleged emission flaws.
You paid more for it than you otherwise would have. For example, because you paid a premium for what you thought was a more environmentally-friendly car.

If the vehicle had to be fixed to comply with emissions standards, that work may have led to inferior fuel efficiency or had a negative effect on performance – potentially lowering its value or creating added costs, for which you may be able to claim damages.

While Ford is one of the many manufacturers accused of their participation in fixing diesel emissions figures, their move to cease production of one of their best-selling models, in order to focus on transitioning to a more electric future, can be considered a win for eco-conscious consumers.