A few weeks back, The Spy Guy reported the imminent demise of the Ford Taurus and he also mentioned that the futures of other models-with-trunks were “on the bubble.” Those bubbles have since burst with the announcement that the Fusion is going away after 2019 and that the next-generation 2019 Focus will only be available in hatchback form. These moves are a direct result of seismic shifts in buyer preferences toward tall wagons, leaving once-popular compact and midsize sedans gathering dust on dealer lots. Ford will soon join Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in abandoning both those categories entirely, while pack leaders Honda, Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, Volkswagen and Nissan fight amongst themselves for their share of a shrinking pie. Only time will tell if the utility craze is temporary or a longer-term trend.
Ford is dropping the Fusion sedan (pictured), the Fiesta, and the Taurus and Focus sedans. That leaves the Mustang and the Focus hatchback. (PHOTO: FORD)