Ford's Also Readying A Prius Fighter, But Don't They Already Have One?
Our Ford sources have confirmed a Reuters report that claims Ford is readying a new lineup of dedicated hybrids to take on the Toyota Prius.
The new range, set to debut in late 2018, will ride on the next-generation C-platform that underpins the current Ford Escape and Focus. Dubbed “C240”, volume has been pegged at 120,000 units annually, with production taking place at the Wayne, Michigan assembly plant.
In addition to a range of bodystyles, both regular hybrid and plug-in versions are set to be offered. Although much talk has been made of the distinct nature of these new vehicles, Ford already offers the C-Max as a hybrid-only vehicle – though the C-Max was originally set to be offered as a gasoline-powered minivan in varying lengths, with 5 or 7 seats.
The C-Max was originally offered with the 1.6L Ecoboost and 2.5L I4 engines, but in between its 2011 debut and its 2012 on sale date, Ford pivoted to a hybrid-only strategy. TTAC sources claim that Ford’s $5.9 billon loan from the government’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program was used to convert the C-Max (and its assembly facilities) into a hybrid-only offering that would ostensibly offer Ford numerous regulatory benefits (in the form of an increased CAFE rating and regulatory credits) as well as a unique marketing edge.
Although look is more akin to the larger Prius V, the C-Max is Ford’s de facto Prius competitor, by nature of its hybrid-only powertrain and odd (for North America) shape and footprint. But sales have been modest, with 35,000 units sold in 2013, and questions regarding its fuel economy figures, coupled with disgruntled owners, have hurt its image. Perhaps Ford is looking to launch a clean sheet Prius competitor backed by a clean-sheet design and marketing effort.
More by Derek Kreindler
Latest Car Reviews
Read moreLatest Product Reviews
Read moreRecent Comments
- Jalop1991 is this anything like a cheap high end German car?
- HotRod Not me personally, but yes - lower prices will dramatically increase the EV's appeal.
- Slavuta "the price isn’t terrible by current EV standards, starting at $47,200"Not terrible for a new Toyota model. But for a Vietnamese no-name, this is terrible.
- Slavuta This is catch22 for me. I would take RAV4 for the powertrain alone. And I wouldn't take it for the same thing. Engines have history of issues and transmission shifts like glass. So, the advantage over hard-working 1.5 is lost.My answer is simple - CX5. This is Japan built, excellent car which has only one shortage - the trunk space.
- Slavuta "Toyota engineers have told us that they intentionally build their powertrains with longevity in mind"Engine is exactly the area where Toyota 4cyl engines had big issues even recently. There was no longevity of any kind. They didn't break, they just consumed so much oil that it was like fueling gasoline and feeding oil every time
Comments
Join the conversation
Love my C-Max Energi. Currently at 67 average MPG. Here in the republic of the Jetta TDI wagon, the C-Max is everywhere, and for good reason. If you don't do the majority of your driving on long highway trips it makes perfect sense. If Ford could fix the trunk space problem with a new model, that'd be awesome. Also maybe the doors don't need to weigh three tons each? I suspect Ford could put their cars on a diet and gain back a few miles per gallon.
Wasn't Toyota supplying their hybrid tech to Ford few years back? I also thought Toyota is working with Ford to implement hybrid tech into their trucks. Either way, everyone has been claiming to kill the Prius sooner or later but it hasn't happened. Toyota is too far ahead with its tech and consistent enhancements.