In the new age of electric vehicles (EVs) and net zero deadlines looming in the UK, some automakers have taken drastic measures in order to meet sustainability targets.
Several iconic car models from top manufacturers have been struck off of production lines and scrapped. Their biggest common feature? They are all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Conversely, EV sales have reportedly been soaring worldwide. In December alone, Germany saw
54,654 new EVs registered and in the UK
27,841 new EVs also hit the roads.
Since the landmark deal was reached to
begin the “transition away from fossil fuels” at COP28, many experts believe a worldwide transition to EVs is the key to achieving a net zero emission future.
If the world is supposedly making strides towards an EV revolution, it’s no wonder that several major ICE cars have – metaphorically and literally – reached the end of the road.
Here is a shortlist of some major models that went under in 2023:
1. Ford Fiesta
This iconic car got axed from Cologne assembly lines back in July 2023. Whilst there are a multitude of reasons as to why the model is being pulled from production, the main one is the manufacturer is trying to focus on electrification.
EVs are reportedly now Ford’s priority, having announced a goal to have them make up 40% of Ford’s global sales by 2030.
Having sold more than
22 million Fiesta’s around the world, the German automaker brought an end to its production and killed off one of the modern era’s most-owned cars.
2. Audi TT
Making its legendary debut back in 1998, this iconic model has had its place revoked from the Audi range.
After having a 25-year run, the popular TT shouldn’t leave too big of a gaping hole in the market. The German automaker will continue production of their Audi TT Coupé as well as rumours of a fully-electric TT to hit the assembly line within the next few years.
3. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Whilst you can expect to see new sales of this vehicle until 2025, it was announced this year by Mercedes-Benz board members that a decision was made not to replace today’s A-Class at the end of its current model cycle.
The 2018-born model is not likely to be alone when it reaches the end of the road. Mercedes-Benz have also announced that its closely related Mercedes-Benz B-Class MPV will also cease production in 2025, as reported by Germany’s
Handelsblatt.
4. Nissan Rogue Sport
Joining the list of ICE cars that took their last lap in 2023, this SUV has also been scrapped from production. Back in 2022, Nissan decided to
shift its focus to electric cars and larger SUVs, which means the beloved Rogue Sport is no more.
Nissan VP Scott Shirley said production of the Rogue Sport will end in December as Nissan focuses on higher-volume models and more electrified vehicles, reported by Automotive News.
Shirley said:
“With the all-new Rogue and recently redesigned Kicks, we will continue to cover this part of [the] market effectively.We are also able to invest more resources in our current vehicle life cycles and next-generation products.”
5. Honda Insight
Debuting in 2018 and Honda moved just about 20,000 units per year, making its lifespan short and not very sweet.
Now, Honda has announced that a new
Civic Hybrid is on the horizon, which will replace the Insight with a brand-new electrified fuel system.
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Making its legendary debut back in 1998, this iconic model has had its place revoked from the Audi range.
After having a 25-year run, the popular TT shouldn’t leave too big of a gaping hole in the market. The German automaker will continue production of their Audi TT Coupé as well as rumours of a fully-electric TT to hit the assembly line within the next few years.
Whilst you can expect to see new sales of this vehicle until 2025, it was announced this year by Mercedes-Benz board members that a decision was made not to replace today’s A-Class at the end of its current model cycle.
The 2018-born model is not likely to be alone when it reaches the end of the road. Mercedes-Benz have also announced that its closely related Mercedes-Benz B-Class MPV will also cease production in 2025, as reported by Germany’s Handelsblatt.
Joining the list of ICE cars that took their last lap in 2023, this SUV has also been scrapped from production. Back in 2022, Nissan decided to shift its focus to electric cars and larger SUVs, which means the beloved Rogue Sport is no more.
Nissan VP Scott Shirley said production of the Rogue Sport will end in December as Nissan focuses on higher-volume models and more electrified vehicles, reported by Automotive News.
Shirley said:
Debuting in 2018 and Honda moved just about 20,000 units per year, making its lifespan short and not very sweet.
Now, Honda has announced that a new Civic Hybrid is on the horizon, which will replace the Insight with a brand-new electrified fuel system.
Want to keep seeing which stories are sparking the mobility community? Sign up to our MOVEMNT newsletter for weekly updates every Thursday 8am
