2024 marked a significant turning point in the automotive landscape, witnessing a wave of discontinuations that resonated throughout the industry.

Among the notable changes, several established models met their end, and the iconic Citroën brand announced its withdrawal from the Australian market. While the upheaval did not reach the unprecedented levels experienced in 2020—when Holden and Infiniti closed their doors—or in 2021, when stringent Australian Design Rules extinguished several popular vehicles, this year was still punctuated by its share of high-profile farewells.

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Ford made headlines by discontinuing one of its last remaining SUVs in Australia, while Toyota officially shuttered production of its V8-powered LandCruiser 70 Series. Additionally, the curtain fell on numerous Jaguar and Maserati models across global production lines.

To provide clarity on this year’s unfortunate exits from the market, we have divided the focus into two segments: one dedicated to SUVs and utes, and the other concentrating on passenger vehicles.

For an overview of the SUVs and utes discontinued this year, scroll down, or navigate directly to the retired models by clicking the links below.

Citroën C5 Aircross

Despite being Citroën’s best-selling vehicle in Australia, the C5 Aircross struggled to make a mark in the competitive mid-sized SUV segment. With sales totaling just 53 units by November’s end, the model found itself significantly outperformed by its sibling, the Peugeot 3008—over six times more popular, despite not being a top contender itself.

Since its launch in 2019, Citroën managed to sell a mere 350 units of the C5 Aircross in Australia, hindered by a limited dealer network and a lack of diverse offerings.

A 2023 refresh aimed to bolster its appeal through visual upgrades and an improved powertrain. The revised mid-size SUV maintained its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine while introducing an eight-speed automatic transmission, boosting its power output to 133 kW and torque to 250 Nm. However, the facelift came with a price increase that positioned it unfavorably against more mainstream competitors.

While a new C5 Aircross generation is slated for Europe, it will not find its way to the Australian market following the retirement of the Citroën brand.

Learn More: Citroën departs Australia after over a century of presence, with a renewed focus on Peugeot.
Explore: Everything related to the Citroën C5 Aircross.

Ford Puma

The Ford Puma’s tenure came to a close in Australia, though it continues to thrive in Europe, where the model has recently undergone a facelift and been introduced as an electric variant known as the Gen-E.

Ford Australia had initially considered launching the Puma Gen-E locally, but ultimately decided against it due to fluctuating economic conditions, material costs, and shifts in consumer demand. Following a cancelation of its commercial plans, Ford opted to concentrate on its commercial vehicle segment and the Mustang lineup. This decision followed the previous year’s demise of the midsize Escape, further shrinking Ford’s presence in the SUV space.

With the Puma’s discontinuation, Ford now lacks a traditional entry-level model, leaving the single-cab Ranger as its most affordable vehicle, while the next most economical SUV, the Everest, starts at around $54,000—nearly double the entry price of the Puma.

Despite commendable sales figures compared to the Escape, the Puma—introduced as a replacement for the overlooked Ecosport—fell short against competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Toyota Yaris Cross.

Learn More: Ford Australia discontinues its entry-level offering in favor of commercial vans and electric vehicles.
Explore: Everything Ford Puma.

Jaguar E-Pace

In an unprecedented move, Jaguar has begun dismantling almost its entire model range, without shuttering the brand itself. The British manufacturer’s struggles to compete with premium rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz have come to a head, prompting a shift toward a more exclusive, electric-only brand identity.

Jaguar aims to reinvent itself, bidding farewell to several core models including the E-Pace, F-Pace, and I-Pace. Production of the E-Pace, alongside the I-Pace, has concluded for 2024, while the F-Pace remains for now.

The final chapter for the E-Pace, which entered production in 2017, has been overshadowed by its competitors, particularly the more sought-after Range Rover Evoque. Despite peaking as Jaguar’s best-selling model, the E-Pace has been left behind in an increasingly competitive market.

Learn More: Everything related to the Jaguar E-Pace.

Jaguar I-Pace

Despite its late arrival in the electric vehicle (EV) market, the Jaguar I-Pace initially garnered critical acclaim, winning numerous awards including European Car of the Year. Unfortunately, it too faces discontinuation without a direct successor, emblematic of Jaguar’s broader strategy to embrace a fully electric lineup.

The I-Pace debuted with a dedicated platform and distinctive design but has faltered in sales, especially in Australia, where its performance has been lackluster. Critically, it faces shrinking market share in an increasingly crowded segment.

Learn More: Everything related to the Jaguar I-Pace.

Maserati Levante

Although technically still listed, the Maserati Levante ceased production this year. The model, which debuted in 2016 as Maserati’s first SUV, was built on the platform shared with the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. The Levante presented a compelling alternative to competitors like the Porsche Cayenne but will soon be replaced by electric successors slated to debut in the coming years.

Learn More: Everything Maserati Levante.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series V8

After an impressive run since 2007, Toyota has officially discontinued the venerable V8 option for its LandCruiser 70 Series. While the 4.5-liter turbo-diesel engine has reached the end of the road, production for alternative iterations of the 70 Series will continue into 2025.

Despite its popularity and extensive sales record, Toyota cited regulatory changes and shifting consumer sentiment as pivotal factors in the decision to retire the beloved V8 engine.

Learn More: Everything Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series.
Explore: Why consumer trends influenced Toyota’s decision to retire the V8 4WD model.

This year has undoubtedly reshaped the landscape for automotive offerings in Australia, as iconic models make way for the challenges and innovations of the future.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au