The Focus apparently isn't permanently dead, just on hiatus.Close-up of a blue Ford car's front headlight, grille, and part of a black and silver alloy wheel.It was a sad moment when Ford killed off one of its most popular contemporary and global models, the Focus. Last year, its nearly 30-year production run came to an end after the Dearborn automaker's worldly division phased it out due to age and relentless competition.But now, apparently the Focus isn't completely dead. The iconic nameplate may be making a grand return.AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to Britain's AutoExpress, the Focus is poised to make a comeback, not as a sedan or hatchback. But a gas-electric crossover SUV.There's no escape from the SUV crazeFord discontinued the global Focus just last year in 2025. - Credit: Ford EuropeThe British auto pub recently sat down with Jim Baumbick, Ford Europe's president, in a discussion over some potential future models. Recently, Ford Europe teased its near-term product strategy during a local press conference.Which, according to the teaser shared, virtually shows an entire lineup filled with softcore high-riders. It also includes a strong focus (pun intended) on gas-electric hybrids as the brand softly shifts away from its electrification efforts.Dearborn's finest also discontinued the Focus for the US after slow sales and buyers demanding more SUVs. - Credit: FordOne of those high-riders, however, apparently has the potential to bring back the Focus name. And that's because Ford, according to Baumbrick, knows the company needs to ring bells of familiarity in order to keep its marketing game strong.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut how the new vehicle strategy comes to fruition is still dependent on some behind-the-scenes decision making. One of those decisions apparently includes teaming up with another carmaker to collaborate on gas-electric hybrid powertrains.In Europe however, Ford continued selling the Focus in a variety of body styles, including a handsome wagon variant. - Credit: Ford Europe"These aren't just deals, they are strategic levers," Baumbick, told AE. "We partner with the best to move with speed and scale, and we obsess over the product to deliver passionate, unmistakably Ford vehicles.""I'm not in a position to share anything," Baumbick continued, when asked specifically about the Focus revival. "But certainly the history and the heritage of some of those names are not lost on us."Focusing on hybridized SUVsFord Europe is currently prioritizing its launch of the next-gen Puma as an affordable EV. - Credit: Ford EuropeAfter Ford saw diminishing returns on its electric vehicle investments, the automaker pumped the brakes on its EV initiatives and has since shifted to hybrids. It's a strategy pivot similar to many other carmakers, who also bet heavily on EVs, but haven't seen runaway success.AdvertisementAdvertisementNow, Ford is shifting its efforts to gas-electric SUVs, with an emphasis on affordability. This has some speculating the return of the Focus in its traditional form, as well as the potential for a new sedan, a la Mondeo (or Fusion for us Yanks).The Kuga, or America's Escape, is also set to return in 2029. - Credit: Ford EuropeFor now, however, the Blue Oval's global department is working on revamping its popular Puma and Fiesta models as affordable electric vehicles. While the Kuga (North America's Ford Escape SUV) is also in its research and development phase for a return in 2029.About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google