Ford's Also Readying A Prius Fighter, But Don't They Already Have One?

by Derek Kreindler

Published: August 21st, 2014

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.

#Ford #FordC-max #Hybrid #Toyota #ToyotaPrius

Derek Kreindler

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4 of 76 comments

Z9 on Aug 22, 2014

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.

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- Dragonphire on Aug 22, 2014
  
  Due to the fact the fact that it wasnt built as a hybrid to begin with I believe (hope) that the next gen will address this weight issue. However if you look across Fords lineup you will notice that all of their vehicles are not weight competitive at all. If they took out 300-400lbs across their lineup it would help real world gas mileage and they wouldnt be forced to change the stickers every two years. If you take a Cmax and make it as light as a Prius you are looking at Prius mileage plus Ford driving dynamics.
  
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DrGastro997 on Aug 22, 2014

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.

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- Bball40dtw on Aug 22, 2014
  
  Ford independently developed a system with key technologies similar to Toyota's HSD. Instead of going through legal battles, Ford licensed 21 patents from Toyota in exchange for patents relating to emissions technology. Until the new C-Max and Fusion, Aisin supplied both comapnies powersplit transmissions. Ford builds their own eCVT in Sterling Heights, MI. It is the only FWD hybrid transmission built in the US. Ford and Toyota were working on hybrid trucks together. They dissolved that relationship last year after the feasability study and prototypes. Ford stated that they were going to bring hybrid trucks/SUVs, based on that new system, to market by the end of the decade. Toyota hasn't made any product comments. The truck hybrid is probably less important to Toyota than Ford.
  
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