Ford said today that it plans to launch full-hybrid and a plug-in electric derivatives of its new C-MAX five-seat minivan in Europe in 2013. The Detroit automaker said that both hybrid variants of the C-MAX will be built at the company's Valencia plant in Spain when the company plans to invest close to $410 million (over €300 million) over the next three years.
The Valencia Plant also will produce the seven-seat version of the minivan called the Grand C-MAX for export to North America beginning in late 2011.
"The Hybrid Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric derivatives of the all-new Ford C-MAX are great news for the Valencia plant and region, for Spain, and for Ford customers across Europe, said John Fleming, CEO of Ford of Europe
"These new advanced technology models are key to Ford's commitment to delivering a portfolio of alternative powertrain vehicles globally and to European customers in the next few years," he added.
The C-MAX HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehcile) models will join the full battery-electric Ford Transit Connect, already announced for 2011, and a battery-electric derivative of the next-generation Ford Focus, due in 2012. Ford also plans to introduce one more hybrid-electric model details of which will be announced at a later time.
The new five-seat C-MAX and its seven-seat Grand C-MAX sibling will go on sale across Europe during the second half of 2010, while the Grand C-MAX for North America will follow in late 2011.
FORD C-MAX & GRAND C-MAX (Petrol / Diesel models)
