North American C-Max will only be available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. It is based on European Grand C-Max.
Ford has retracted a bit on its decision to bring C-Max (based upon the European-spec Grand C-Max), to North American shores.
The model was initially intended to compete in the compact minivan/crossover segment. Ford planned to offer the vehicle as a 7-seater, which would be a key factor in North American volume sales.
Ford now says that the C-Max will only be sold in North America as a hybrid/plug-in hybrid. This means that it will no longer have a 7-seat configuration and will instead sell the battery space.
Ford plans to triple hybrid vehicle production to 100,000 units per year by 2013.
Ford claims that the new C-Max and plug-in hybrid models will get better mileage than 41 MPG (6.8 L/100 km).
The C-Max is a niche vehicle due to the inability to offer a 7-seater or a hybrid at a higher price.
Ford’s Wayne, Michigan plant will begin production of the North American C-Max in 2012.