Differentiating itself with an electrification strategy that emphasizes customer choice, Ford is introducing a family of electrified vehicles – including its first all-electric passenger sedan, the all-new Focus Electric. The debut of C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, on the heels of the newly unveiled Focus Electric, builds on Ford’s electrified vehicle portfolio, bringing expanded choice to customers and further strengthening the company’s sustainability strategy.
Ford is showcasing the three new electric models as part of a customer choice-driven strategy, led by the all-new Ford Focus Electric, which will debut in the U.S. in late 2011. Ford will launch the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and C-MAX Hybrid in 2012 in North America and in 2013 in Europe. Both will use the company’s critically acclaimed powersplit hybrid architecture and advanced lithium-ion battery systems; C-MAX Energi will deliver better charge-sustaining fuel economy than the Chevrolet Volt.
Ford’s electrified vehicles are just one part of a broad commitment to delivering top fuel efficiency with every vehicle and providing affordable fuel efficiency for millions of customers. Ford is on track to bring five new electrified vehicles to North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. Ease of use and an engaging ownership experience is a key part of the strategy.
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Fuel free
The fuel-free, all-electric rechargeable Focus Electric passenger car will launch in North America in late 2011 and Europe in 2012. The C-MAX Energi is the company’s first-ever plug-in hybrid production electric vehicle that comes to market beginning in 2012, targeting AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) status. The C-MAX Hybrid is a next-generation full hybrid version of the five-passenger multi-activity vehicle.
The new-generation Ford electrified vehicles introduce new features and technologies – led by a unique version of the MyFord Touch™ driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and, for North America, a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.
“By providing a variety of electrified vehicles, we are making it easier for our customers to embrace this fuel-saving technology,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “This strategy is true to our heritage of making innovative technology available to as many people as possible and to our vision of developing great products, building a strong business and contributing to a better world.”
Ford electric trio
The three new Ford electrified products build on Ford’s experience as America’s top domestic producer of electrified vehicles with 140,000 hybrid products on the road today:
- Focus Electric – Based on the all-new Ford Focus mainstream vehicle, the Focus Electric will offer adequate range to cover the majority of daily driving habits plus a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles. It will charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf
- C-MAX Energi – Based on the new Ford C-MAX five-passenger multi-activity vehicle, the C-MAX Energi targets more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine. It delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than the Chevrolet Volt
- C-MAX Hybrid – The full hybrid variant of C-MAX is targeted to deliver better fuel economy than Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient sedan in America. It also leverages the company’s powersplit hybrid architecture and uses a lighter, smaller lithium-ion battery system
The three new models leverage Ford’s global C-car platform and will be built alongside the all-new Ford Focus at the company’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state. Ford will build the new C-MAX Energi and Hybrid models for European markets at its plant in Valencia, Spain, as previously announced.
Ford’s rollout of five new hybrid and electric passenger vehicles began in December with the first deliveries of its 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric – a small commercial van built in collaboration with Azure Dynamics. Ford will round out its lineup of new electrified vehicles in North America and Europe with another next-generation hybrid vehicle, in 2012 and 2013, respectively, which will be named later.
“Ford’s plan to deliver a full range of exciting, energy-efficient vehicles is on track and fully charged,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s electrification programs and engineering. “Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid demonstrate Ford’s commitment to delivering significant fuel economy gains and reduced CO2 emissions to meet our customers’ functional needs without compromising their driving enjoyment.”
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