Ford Introducing Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid C-MAX Models in Europe in 2013
10 May 2010
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| New Ford C-MAX and new Ford Grand C-MAX 2010. Click to enlarge. |
Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain will build the company’s first hybrid models for European customers with two advanced technology derivatives of the new Ford C-MAX compact multi-activity model to be launched in 2013: a full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
Ford said that the reason for building both full HEV and PHEV versions of the five-seat Ford C-MAX is to provide customers with greater choice to suit their specific driving and living environments.
Valencia was confirmed in 2009 as the European single source for all versions of the all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX which launch later this year, and which feature a range of new Ford EcoBoost gasoline and Duratorq TDCi diesel engines. As part of the company’s global sourcing strategy, the Valencia Plant also will produce the seven-seat version of the C-MAX for export to North America beginning in late 2011.
Total investment in the new Ford C-MAX program in Spain over the next three years, including the hybrid models, is almost $410 million (€320 million). Investment in the hybrid program is expected to be up to $36 million (€28 million). The Spanish government and Valencia regional administration are providing the highest grant support in line with European Union requirements. The exact amount of this support will be determined at a later date.
Ford has committed to introduce five Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Hybrid models in Europe by 2013. The C-MAX HEV and PHEV models will join the full battery-electric Ford Transit Connect, already announced for 2011, and a battery-electric derivative of the next-generation Ford Focus, due in 2012. The fifth vehicle will also be a hybrid-electric model and will be announced at a later time.
The new five-seat Ford C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX models are the first of at least ten new models or derivatives that the company will launch around the world based on its new global C-segment platform.
Ford’s new generation of C-segment vehicles will be sold in more than 120 markets and are intended to account for more than two million units annually. The C-segment accounts for one-in-four cars sold worldwide today and, in conjunction with the B-segment, is expected to rise to 50% of all cars sold globally by 2013.
"the seven-seat version of the C-MAX for export to North America beginning in late 2011."
Sounds like something great for carpools. What mpg should be expected?
Posted by: Will S | 10 May 2010 at 07:59 AM
It would be nice to see this technology in the S-Max and Galaxy (larger 7 seat MPVs) asap.
These are large enough to need hybridization, and expensive enough to be able to absorb the cost increment.
As far as I can tell, there are no 7 seat hybrids available in Europe (but lots of diesels).
Posted by: mahonj | 10 May 2010 at 08:13 AM
It seems that Ford could very well extend HEV and PHEV and/or BEV technology to most of it models by 2015 or shortly thereafter and become the green car leader among the Big-3. Looking at Ford's recent sales, buyers seem to appreciate this manufacturer pro-active approach most.
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 May 2010 at 09:22 AM
As the hybrid technologie will be first used in Europe with the C-max is it planed to have a diesel or a gasoline engine ?
Posted by: bebop | 10 May 2010 at 10:34 AM
Nice to see Ford getting on the PHEV wagon. Every new player drives costs down.
Posted by: sulleny | 10 May 2010 at 01:44 PM
AFAIK only Peugeot/Citroen is actively developing diesel hybrids at the moment - but that is from the top of my head.
Posted by: Davemart | 11 May 2010 at 04:54 AM
Super charged direct fuel injection gas engines may compete with diesel soon, specially based on energy unit consumption and compactness basis. However, both may be phased out by 2030 or so. These last efforts to survive a few more decades are interesting.
Posted by: HarveyD | 11 May 2010 at 08:50 AM