Second-Generation C-MAX Doubles Ford's Share in the European Mid-Size MPV Segment

Ford’s pair of mid-size minivans, the five-seater C-MAX and its seven-seater sibling, the Grand C-MAX, have proved to be a hit in the European market, doubling the Blue Oval’s sales in their segment.

Since its launch in late 2010, Ford has sold more than 135,000 C-MAX and Grand C-MAX MPVs in Europe, more than double the number its predecessor achieved in 2010. This was partly to be expected though, as the previous C-MAX, despite a facelift in 2007, was essentially a seven-year old model.

.

Ford Introduces C-MAX Hybrids, Claims They Outperform Toyota's Prius and Prius V - Cars photos

Along with the Focus Electric, the Blue Oval also announced two more new models today, the C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, which Ford claims will allow operation in all-electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid currently in production. Ford is willing to compare its new cars, which will be launched in North America in 2012, with the competition and in particular, Toyota’s Prius models.
According to the company, the plug-in C-MAX Energi will deliver a better fuel economy equivalent (MPGe) in all-electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid along with a 500 miles (800 km) driving range, while the Hybrid is said to be more fuel efficient than the Prius V.
“C-MAX is the right car for the time as it combines the dynamics and quality of a traditional car with the versatility of a MAV and leading fuel efficiency that you cannot even get from Toyota”, said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s Electrification Programs and Engineering.
Both hybrid versions of the C-MAX feature a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline engine that operates on the Atkinson-cycle, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Ford says that its next-generation ‘powersplit’ architecture allows the two motors to operate separately or in parallel, with the electric motor being capable of powering the car in low-speed conditions and the gasoline engine kicking in and/or charging the battery when necessary.
In the C-MAX Hybrid, the battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. A regenerative braking system also recovers more than 95% of the braking energy and helps charge the battery.
The C-MAX Energi plug-in can also be charged by connecting the vehicle’s charge port to either a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt charging station.

Published by: Carscoop

PHOTO GALLERY:

Ford Introduces C-MAX Hybrids, Claims They Outperform Toyota's Prius and Prius V

Along with the Focus Electric, the Blue Oval also announced two more new models today, the C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, which Ford claims will allow operation in all-electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid currently in production.

Ford is willing to compare its new cars, which will be launched in North America in 2012, with the competition and in particular, Toyota’s Prius models.

.

Video: Yep, That's a Great Parking Job

Perhaps the driver of this new Ford C-MAX minivan didn't want to get his or her front tires wet, or maybe he or she was in a hurry for an appointment and didn't notice […] the u-shaped metal fitting sprouting out from the road. Whatever the case, we'd love to hear how the driver of the car explains this mishap to his/her insurance agent. Aftermath video follows after the break. .