End of an Era: Iconic Cars Cease Production

Urban cars, sports cars, sedans... The shift in design trends and powertrains, along with the change in direction of many brands, means that some models that have dominated the roads for decades must say goodbye for good.

The automotive market is in constant motion. Every year, hundreds of models are renewed, new ones are born, and as a result, others must give way. Some pass without much notice, but many will leave a void that is hard to fill. The legacy left by bestsellers like the Ford Fiesta, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 718, Maserati Ghibli, or Audi TT is significant.

The reasons behind the disappearance of these models include increasingly strict emissions regulations, making it more difficult and costly to develop and produce large-displacement, high-power engines. Additionally, manufacturers are focusing their efforts on developing electric vehicles and SUV silhouettes.

It's a shame because iconic models with so much history and journey, like the Ford Fiesta, will be missed. This model had a special relationship with Spain, particularly with the Almussafes factory in Valencia.

Both were inaugurated in the same year, 1976, generating thousands of jobs and significantly contributing to the industrial development of the region. The Fiesta became one of the most popular models in Europe, known for its agility and efficiency.

With nearly 50 years of history and over 15 million units worldwide, production ceased last year in 2024. The growing demand for urban SUVs and Ford's strategy to focus on electrified vehicles led to the Fiesta's disappearance, leaving a gap in the accessible utility segment.

Similarly, its older sibling, the Focus, a legendary model especially for its ST version, will also cease production this year.

Maserati has also bid farewell to one of its most iconic models, the Ghibli, with 120,000 units produced since its launch in 1967.

A farewell that was also a tribute with a limited edition of just 103 units named Ghibli 334 Ultima. Those who acquired one of these units have a special V8 under the hood, an exterior design that recalls the past and pays homage to the first creation of that engine, with a secret in its name: 334 referring to the top speed.

Despite the discontinuation of this model, Maserati is immersed in developing a complete range of models including the Grecale in hybrid, combustion, and 100% electric versions; GranTurismo and GranCabrio in combustion and zero-emission versions; as well as the MC20 and GT2 Stradale. They are also working on offering a new Levante and Quattroporte soon.

Jaguar will take a different direction in 2025. With the end of production of its F-Type, the brand is preparing to transform its portfolio with a four-door electric GT, very different from anything before, at the forefront.

This sports car bids farewell with over 87,000 units sold since it went on sale in 2013 in a convertible version.

Another notable example is Seat, which bids farewell this year to its flagship, the largest SUV it had released to date, the Tarraco. "It achieved excellent results by selling 12,000 units in Spain since its launch at the end of 2018, being almost permanently among the best-selling seven-seater SUVs in Spain. After analyzing market trends, we entered the segment with the Cupra Terramar," they told ABC from the Spanish firm.

Audi has also had to say goodbye to its TT, a model that in 1998 caused a sensation with its rounded lines, low roof, and futuristic appearance.

Moreover, its launch marked a turning point in the compact sports car segment, offering a unique combination of design, performance, and quality.

But Audi's decision to focus on electric models and SUVs led to the end of TT production, highlighting the German brand's transition towards an electrified future.

A move also being made by Porsche, announcing that the next generation of the 718 will be purely electric.

This means that no more combustion Cayman and Boxster models will be produced.

It is clear that these are tough times for sports versions, as Hyundai has also ceased production for Europe of the N versions of the i20 and i30.

Reviving names of iconic cars is in vogue. But not just the name, also using nods for which these models were a success in their time. First is the new Renault 4 E-Tech, inspired by the shapes of the original R4, popularly known as "four cans," manufactured in Valladolid until 1990, and which sold over eight million units. Now it is an SUV with round headlights, a sloping trunk, and a canvas roof.

There is also the Ford Capri, a 100% electric SUV inspired by the original two-door sports classic of the same name. It retains some nods from that model, which was born in the late 60s and sold nearly two million units in less than thirty years of life.

Similarly, Opel has revived one of its most 'off-road' names for its new SUV. Thus, the new Frontera is born, now more SUV and not as 'off-road' as the one from the 90s; although it aims to "face everything."

Finally, Mitsubishi has decided to join this trend and announced that one of the new SUVs it will launch in 2025 will be called Grandis. It remains to be seen if it will pick up the legacy of what was a seven-seater minivan, but the brand assures that it "will be spacious and versatile, as well as safe and comfortable for the whole family."