IS FORD FIXING TO BE KING OF THE HYBRID HILL IN THE USA?

With Toyota still trying to recover after the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and from various recalls, Ford has set its sights squarely on moving into a leadership position in the hybrid space. The company is betting on the C-Max, currently available in Europe, which will make the jump across the pond as a dedicated hybrid and plug-in hybrid model only. The company originally had plans to bring the 7-passenger Grand C-Max to the U.S. to compete in the minivan market but see a greater potential for hybrid and plug-in versions of the smaller 5-passenger hatchback version. This will be the first car Ford offers solely as a hybrid model and it is clear the hybrid C-Max is aimed squarely at the Prius, which Toyota also offers only as a hybrid. We will be interested to see exactly how the MPG will compare with the Prius though, as Ford has so far only said it will get better than 41 MPG combined.

The company has also said the C-Max Energi, the plug-in version, should compare favorably with the Chevy Volt and will operate in a similar manner. But if Ford's plug-in does get the 500-mile range they have stated, it will definitely best the 397-mile range of the Volt, plus Ford has said they expect the C-Max Energi to be sold for much less than the Volt. Ford currently offers hybrid versions of the Fusion and Lincoln MKZ midsize sedans and the Escape SUV and will start selling an all-electric Ford Focus in the U.S. later this year. It looks like the C-Max should start selling in the U.S. sometime in 2012. We can't wait to hear more and will keep you updated. Ailis Aaron Wolf Hybrid Owners of America