Car news, 26 Feb ’24: Hyundai Europe cuts petrol N models, Ford “almost pulled out of Australia” and more

---

Thanks for joining us this Monday February 26th 2024. Notably in car news today: Hyundai says goodbye to its characterful range of combustion N models in Europe and Ford could have, in the past, left Australia, according to Ford chief Jim Farley. 

Browse this issue:

• Hyundai Europe axes combustion N models, Australia safe

• Ford CEO says the brand “almost pulled out of Australia”

• Ineos reveals new electric SUV called the Fusilier 

• Production will end for Fiat/Abarth 500 combustion cars in mid 2024

Hyundai axes combustion N models in Europe, Australian cars safe

• Hyundai’s N division has called it a day in Europe for its combustion N products including the i30 N and i20 N.
  
• Due to strict emissions targets, Hyundai will cease production for Europe this month.

• But this won’t spell the end for N cars in Australia. Hyundai Australia told Chasing Cars that “i20 N and i30 N (hatch) production for Australia will continue, it is not affected by the recent European market announcement.

• “We have no timeline or countdown for the end of petrol-powered N production – petrol N models are here to stay for the foreseeable future,” a spokesperson said. 

• The news comes as the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N goes on sale in Australia, priced from $111,000 before on-road costs 

Ford “almost pulled out of Australia”

• Global Ford CEO Jim Farley said that the auto giant once considered exiting the Australian market completely.

• Farley was speaking at an industry conference in which he spruiked Ford’s recent overseas success with vehicles like the Ranger when he expressed the comments.

• “People wouldn’t realise this. The second highest volume vehicle at Ford [globally] is Ranger”, said Farley. “Ranger globally outsells Super Duty. We are now number two in pickups outside of the U.S. and pickups are growing big time,” he said, adding “… [the Ranger is] the best selling vehicle in Australia. We almost pulled out of Australia.”

• It’s not clear when this was considered by the brand, although it’s possible it was around the time of local production ceasing in 2016. The brand announced further redundancies since, most recently 400 local job-cuts last year. Globally, the brand has exited global markets such as Brazil and India in recent times.

• The comments come as Ford transitions the rest of its lineup from traditional high volume passenger car segments to a focus on utes, vans and EVs, while enjoying considerable success with the Ranger.

Ineos revealed new electric off-roader, the Fusilier 

• Ineos, the creator of the Grenadier off-road SUV and Quartermaster ute, has revealed its next model, and it’s called the Fusilier. 

• With similar looks to the Grenadier, the Fusilier has been co-developed with automotive supplier Magna and will feature a bespoke skateboard-like platform

• Both full-electric and range-extended electric (hybrid) powertrains are locked in for a future release. Launch timings are expected by mid 2024. 

• Ineos says that the Fusilier will be slightly shorter and lower in ride height than a Grenadier
  

Fiat and Abarth 500 petrol models axed for 2025  

• Stellantis Australia confirmed today that production of all internal combustion Fiat and Abarth versions of the 500 microcar will cease in mid-2024.     

• Speaking to Chasing Cars at the Australian reveal of the electric Abarth 500e it was explained that timing of this key production change would see ICE versions farewell in the MY24 release for both Fiat and Abarth.    

• The decision coincided with the local release of the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e EVs, the latter launching imminently in base Turismo (from $58,900) and limited-edition Scorpionissima (from $60,500) guisees. 
  
• Both versions fit 113kW/235Nm front-drive electric powertrains offering 7.0sec 0-100km/h performance and 253 kilometres of maximum claimed range WLTP.