FORD is to abandon production of the Cougar with sales ending early next year. It was launched in November 1998 and to date more than 12,000 models have been sold in the UK with more than 34,000 sold across Europe.

Ford's decision follows the unveiling of the Focus RS at last month's British International Motor Show and the announcement of new Ford performance derivatives bearing the ST name. Ford of Europe chairman Nick Scheele said: 'The Focus RS and ST models are the first of our high performance cars currently under development, which will meet the needs and desires of those customers looking for sporty cars.' Ford plans around 45 'new product actions' over the next five years.