Several classic car models are discontinued

It is a long-standing Volkswagen that has gone to the grave – the first generation of the Touran minibus was launched back in 2003. But in April of this year, the last examples rolled out of the factory after the manufacturer decided to discontinue the model series, according to international motoring media, due to an outdated platform and difficulties in updating it in line with new EU requirements. In total, the car was produced in around 2.3 million copies.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

An increased focus on SUVs must have contributed to Mercedes-Benz choosing to phase out the production of its B-class, according to information in international media. This taller hatchback/MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) was first launched in 2005 but production may end during the year.

- The B-class definitely does not have a future, says Robert Lesnik, head of exterior design at Mercedes-Benz, in an interview with the British motoring magazine Autoexpress and continues:

- Nowadays, people have switched to SUVs. SUVs have killed the MPV market.

Hyundai i10

The first generation i10 was introduced in 2007/2008 but Hyundai has now stopped making this petrol-powered car. It has long been referred to as "Sweden's cheapest car", with a price of SEK 189,900 for the latest edition. An increased focus on electric cars is said to be a reason for the i10 being discontinued.

Audi A1

The three-door hatchback Audi A1 was launched in 2010 and has been produced in close to 1.4 million units since then. But now it's over. Since last spring, the car is no longer manufactured. Even the crossover SUV Q2 stopped being produced in the same vein. Instead, Audi is now focusing on the new electric A2, as a kind of replacement.

Ford Focus

One of Ford's most enduring classics has ceased production. It was introduced in 1998/1999 and over the years became one of the world's best-selling cars. A total of 12 million copies are said to have been sold over all the years. Even in the case of the Ford Focus, the market's increased interest in SUVs and electric cars is behind the decision to discontinue the model.