Autoblog

Ford says Focus Electric will get 100 MPGe, C-Max models also ready to compete

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST

Oh, what a difference one seat makes. Ford just announced that the Focus Electric will be, "the first all-electric vehicle to achieve a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating." But wait, you're saying, what about the Mitsubishi i, which gets 112 MPGe? Ah, this is when you finish reading Ford's sentence, which ends, "with seating for five." The i is rated as a four-seat (two-plus-two) vehicle while the Focus is a "normal" five-seater.

100 MPGe is just one selling point for Ford's upcoming EV. The other is faster charging technology that allows the Focus EV, "to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets." That means a three- to four-hour recharge time.

On the plug-in hybrid side, Ford also announced that the C-Max Energi is expected to have "miles per gallon equivalent rating in electric mode better than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid" and the C-Max Hybrid (non-plug-in) should get "better fuel economy than Toyota Prius V." The C-Max Energi "is expected to deliver a better fuel economy equivalent in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid with a 500-mile overall driving range, more than Chevrolet Volt." Even though it's not ready to give us a lot of numbers for the C-Max models quite yet, it's clear that Ford is getting ready to take on the best-selling fuel-efficient cars in the U.S. in 2012.

In California, New York and New Jersey, the first orders for the 2012 Focus Electric were taken in November. Fifteen more launch markets will open up next year. The Focus Electric has started production at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant. The C-Max models also go on sale in 2012.

Continue reading Ford says Focus Electric will get 100 MPGe, C-Max models also ready to compete

Ford says Focus Electric will get 100 MPGe, C-Max models also ready to compete originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford uses dog-powered Rube Goldberg device to demonstrate C-Max park assist

Zach Bowman — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford, Humor

Ford C-Max Commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ford has you covered if you're needing a video fur fix. The automaker has turned to a canine-powered Rube Goldberg device to help demonstrate the park assist system on its C-Max people mover. A pack of talented dogs play integral parts in a mechanism that unfurls a banner announcing the MPV's talents. Along the way, there are Hot Wheels cars, Nerf arrows and even a big wheel tricycle. We're not entirely sure what dogs and toys have to do with parallel parking, but we aren't in advertising, either.

To our eyes, this spot lacks the clever simplicity of the groundbreaking 'Cog' ad from Honda a few years back, and we're apparently not artistic enough to know why the colors in the video are so washed out (okay, so it's probably just a bad copy), but the good news is that it's still entertaining to watch a scruffy mutt parallel park a C-Max. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Ford uses dog-powered Rube Goldberg device to demonstrate C-Max park assist

Ford uses dog-powered Rube Goldberg device to demonstrate C-Max park assist originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #234

Dan Roth — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Maybach, Volkswagen, Volvo

Ford Cancels 7-Seat C-Max, 2012 VW Beetle Pricing, Maybach's Fate, Ford Ordered To Pay $2B To Dealers

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #234 of the Autoblog Podcast was our second live go-round, and we hope it was as much fun for our listeners as it was for us. We're working hard on refining the experience as we move forward, so please chime in with your feedback about how we could make it better! Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert cover the cancellation of the Ford C-Max seven seater, pricing information for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, what may become of Maybach and Ford's imbroglio over commercial truck prices to dealers. We wrap up with a a full-on interactive podcast with listener feedback in real time.

Hear how it went down live, or catch it as it happens next week at our UStream channel, as well as the traditional ways we've always offered. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #234:

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport
2011 Hyundai Equus
2011 Volvo XC70
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Black Diamond
2011 Jaguar XJ L

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:24:32

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #234

Autoblog Podcast #234 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mommies on Minivans: Practical, but where's the style?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Detroit Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Etc.

2012 Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota can call the Sienna a swagger wagon all it wants, but the slogan isn't going to make moms any happier about hopping behind the wheel. According to The Detroit Free Press, most mothers aren't fooled by gimmicky marketing or the latest attempts to redesign the minivan as a stylish piece of transportation. Reporter Krista Jahnke followed a group of mothers from Detroit.MomsLikeMe.com as they toured the Detroit Auto Show to critique the latest wave of minivans.

What did they think? While the vast majority appreciated the added creature comforts of the newest generation of family haulers, they still seemed to feel that the minivan was always going to be a practical choice first and an aesthetic one dead last.

One woman even admitted that she cried the first time she had to drive a minivan. Admittedly, we feel her pain.

The crew took the time to check out the all-new Ford C-Max, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan and Volkswagen Routan, and was kind enough share its opinion on each. Despite its significantly smaller size, the C-Max fared well amongst those who know minivans best, while the Grand Caravan was penalized for its cavernous, grime-trapping center console. Head over to The Detroit Free Press to see all of their impressions.

Gallery: 2012 Ford C-Max

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Mommies on Minivans: Practical, but where's the style? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

European jurists announce seven finalists for 2011 Car of the Year

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Ford, Nissan, Volvo, Renault, Opel, Citroën, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo

While it may seem like every magazine worth its bar-code is clamoring to select its own Car of the Year, over in Europe things are a bit more civilized. Seven publications from seven different countries get together each year to nominate their collective Car of the Year, speaking in one united voice.

The process takes place over the course of months. First comes the nominees, then the finalists and ultimately the solitary winner. The super best-friends have just arrived at that middle step, announcing the finalists for 2011, and as in years past, it's heavily loaded with European vehicles, but the list is not without its novelty.

The finalists came down to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Renault/Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max, Nissan Leaf, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60. The Alfa's nomination comes exactly a decade after its predecessor, the 147, took the award upon its launch. The Leaf represents the first time an electric vehicle has made it this far in the selection process. And the budget Dacia's selection is of course highly symbolic of the economic climate from which most of the world is only beginning to recuperate. The winner will be announced on November 29, so stay tuned.

[Source: Car of the Year]

European jurists announce seven finalists for 2011 Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Confirmed: Ford to build seven-seat C-Max in Spain for export to U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Ford

2011 Ford C-Max seven-seater - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ford announced its new seven-seat Grand C-Max last fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it also revealed that the new model would be coming to North America for the first time. In conjunction with the announcement today that Ford's plant in Valencia, Spain would produce hybrid versions of the five-seat C-Max, Ford also announced that the same plant would be exporting the seven-seater to America late next year.

The larger C-Max is based off of Ford's new c-segment platform shared with the Focus and is similar in size to the Mazda5. This marks Ford's return to the sliding door van market that was abandoned when the Freestar was discontinued in 2006. Ford hasn't said what powerplant will go into the C-Max for export, but we would bet on the same 2.0-liter direct injected four that will power the new Focus with an optional 2.0-liter Ecoboost. Now that General Motors has decided not to sell the Chevrolet Orlando in the U.S., Ford and Mazda are currently the only entrants in this small minivan segment, with vehicles like the conventionally doored Kia Rondo lurking on the fridges.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Grand C-Max

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Confirmed: Ford to build seven-seat C-Max in Spain for export to U.S.

Confirmed: Ford to build seven-seat C-Max in Spain for export to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has just provided more details about its first European market hybrid models. The company's plant in Valencia, Spain will be building both regular and plug-in hybrid versions of the new five-seat C-Max MPV starting in 2013. The plant will receive $36 million in upgrades to accommodate hybrid vehicle production of the C-Max, which will be exclusively for the European market.

The new C-Max is the first vehicle being launched this year off of Ford's new global compact car platform that will also spawn the new 2012 Focus. The C-Max is essentially a tall wagon version of the Focus. The hybrid version will use Ford's next-generation hybrid system that will launch in North America in 2012, though no other details about the powertrain are available at this time. The C-Max is also the first application of Ford's new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which could be paired with the hybrid system.

The new C-Segment platform has been designed to support the installation of conventional, hybrid and full battery electric powertrains. A BEV version of the C-Max is also possible, though Ford has only confirmed plans for the Focus Electric at this time.

Gallery: 2011 Ford C-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain

Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Euro-Fords first to get four-cylinder EcoBoost this summer

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Ford

Ford is expanding its EcoBoost engine strategy to Europe this summer with the introduction of 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engines. The EcoBoost range of turbocharged and direct injected gasoline engines debuted last summer here in North America with the launch of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Ford Taurus SHO, Flex and Lincoln MKS and MKT.

Ford will debut refreshed versions of its S-Max and Galaxy minivans this summer, both of which will use the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that will also be available in the updated Edge later this year. In the European van applications, the 2.0-liter will be rated at 200 horsepower, which is on the low end for an engine of this type and displacement. Power numbers for the four-cylinder turbo in U.S. applications haven't yet been announced but will likely be in the 230-240 hp range to match the current 3.0-liter V6 used in the Fusion and Escape.

The smaller C-Max and Grand C-Max will be the first vehicles to use a 1.6-liter EcoBoost when they go on sale in the fall. The 1.6-liter will be offered in two power levels, 148 hp and 177 hp. For now Ford is only committing to installing the 1.6-liter in the two MPV variants. However, when we got our first preview of the Focus models that debuted in Detroit, Ford officials acknowledged that an EcoBoost-powered Focus would eventually join the 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine in North America.

American enthusiasts hoping for a chance to buy Ford's raucous 300-hp Focus RS that launched in Europe last year won't be getting that particular car. However, Ford is confirming this week at the Geneva Motor Show that a global performance car based on the new Focus is definitely coming with EcoBoost power. When the Explorer America Concept was unveiled in Detroit two years ago, Ford also talked about a 275-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which would certainly be plenty in the Focus, especially if it stays front-wheel drive.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Euro-Fords first to get four-cylinder EcoBoost this summer

Euro-Fords first to get four-cylinder EcoBoost this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: Ford announces new turbo'd 203-hp 2.0-liter for Mondeo

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Ford

Ford C-Max at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the more than 100 reveals at next month's Geneva Motor Show will be the new Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max. Referred to as "Multi-Activity Vehicles" by The Blue Oval, the two C-cars offer a five-seater in the C-Max and a seven-seater in its Grand sibling, that latter also providing twin sliding doors. Ford's Human Interface System bows as well, with new interactivity and operated through two five-way toggles on the steering wheel.

Beside those two debutantes will be a Ford Kuga with a new powertrain, getting a more powerful 163-horsepower, 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel, and an optional Powershift gearbox that emits less CO2. The Mondeo is another recipient of a heart transplant, benefiting from an all-new 203-horsepower, 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost SCTi gas engine. Follow the jump for all the information from Ford, and get your pre-Geneva high-res peek in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Ford C-Max at the Geneva Motor Show

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Ford announces new turbo'd 203-hp 2.0-liter for Mondeo

Geneva Preview: Ford announces new turbo'd 203-hp 2.0-liter for Mondeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Ford C-Max debuts, Grand C-Max bound for American shores

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Minivan/Van, Ford

2010 Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

Among the many cars available here in Europe that we pine for Stateside, you may be surprised that Ford minivans rank among them. We got a ride in the Galaxy-based S-Max on our way back from driving the new Fiesta in Tuscany and were thoroughly impressed, and from what we hear its Focus-based kid brother C-Max isn't half bad either. But today Ford unveiled a new C-Max, and we need pine no more, for the compact MPV is headed our way. At least, the seven-seat Grand C-Max version is, anyway.

Echoing Chrysler's minivans, the new C-Max is available in two formats: standard wheelbase and long-wheelbase Grand C-Max. The five-seater (green at right) has a sportier appearance with conventional rear doors, while the seven-seater (above in silver) gets sliding doors and a plane ticket across the Atlantic. Both are based on Ford's new global C-segment platform that will underpin the next-generation Focus and offer clever packaging with a compelling adaptation of the Blue Oval's kinetic design language. See for yourself in the high-res gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Ford C-Max debuts, Grand C-Max bound for American shores originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #145 with the Two Marks from Ford

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:44:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Podcasts, Audi, Bugatti, Ford, Lamborghini, Renault, Peugeot, Citroën

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #145 of the Autoblog Podcast is a mostly-Frankfurt Motor Show edition. Chris, Sam and Dan are joined by Mark Kaufman, Ford's C-segment marketing manager, and Blue-Oval product communications manager Mark Schirmer. The two Marks join us to talk about what Ford's got up its sleeve for Frankfurt and beyond. The C1 Focus is finally making the transatlantic journey, and we're getting the flexible and efficient Grand C-Max, as well. Talk turns all EcoBoosty and future-plannish before the crew moves on to the sights at Frankfurt.

The Volkswagen L1 concept sets us off on the environmentally conscious aspects of the show, which we quickly abandoned in favor of such awesomeness as the Audi R8 Spyder, roofless Lamborghini Reventon, and the slick Audi S5 Sportback. Taking a left turn down Odd Street, we test our intestinal fortitude with the Bugatti Galibier, Peugeot BB1 and Citroen's Revolte. Questions wrap it up, and again, it clocks in with extra value past the hour and a half mark.

Thanks for the great reviews in iTunes and your efforts with the survey. We'll be back next week, but until then, hit up our friends at Engadget or Joystiq for other 'casts you might be interested in. Drop us a note at Podcast at Autoblog dot com in the meantime.

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #145 with the Two Marks from Ford

Autoblog Podcast #145 with the Two Marks from Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford will sell 10 models on new C-segment platform

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford

Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

This week's Frankfurt Motor Show marks the beginning of a new generation of Ford's new C-segment platform with the debut of the new C-Max and Grand C-Max MAVs. According to Ford, over the course of the next few years this new global compact platform will spawn as many as 10 different vehicle variants around the world. In addition to the two C-Max variants, the next Focus will be available as a four-dour sedan, three- and five-door hatchback and convertible. That still leaves a number of other possibilities that Ford hasn't announced yet, which means we'll probably be seeing some crossovers and perhaps even sports variants coming over the next few years. With the increasing importance of the compact segment, all of these variants will play a big part in Ford's future.

Check out the latest edition of the Autoblog Podcast as Ford's Mark Schirmer and Mark Kaufman join us to discuss the new C-Max, EcoBoost and the rest of the C-Segment vehicles.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Grand C-Max

[Source: Ford]

Ford will sell 10 models on new C-segment platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Family Style: 2010 Ford Grand C-Max hits web ahead of Frankfurt rollout

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

2010 Ford Grand C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, we gave you a sneak peek at Ford of Europe's new 2011 C-Max people mover. That Iosis Max-inspired "compact multi-activity vehicle" will officially debut in a few days at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the company's new global C-platform architecture that will underpin the next Ford Focus, the 2011 Ford C-Max will be powered by a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Beyond that we don't know much else about this tall hatch. What we do know is that it will be joined at the Messe by a bigger brother.

This morning, word (and official images) leaked out about the seven-seat, sliding door, extended version seen here - the 2010 Ford Grand C-Max. Looking a lot like its little sibling, the Grand C-Max is based on the same platform, with an extended wheelbase to house its three rows of seats. The greenhouse also gets tweaked in the taffy-pulling exercise, as does the roof. The biggest change is the use of the sliding rear doors, which make this Grand C-Max more like the Mazda5. We'll have further information as it's released and plenty of live pictures from Frankfurt when it is officially unveiled. Until then, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Grand C-Max

[Source: Ford via WorldCarFans]

Family Style: 2010 Ford Grand C-Max hits web ahead of Frankfurt rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2010 Ford C-Max caught ahead of Frankfurt reveal

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Europe, Ford, UK

Small people movers are big business over in Europe and Ford is looking to take a bigger piece of the pie with its next-generation C-Max, which is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It appears as if the next C-Max will grow a bit in size to allow for an extra few cubic feet of interior volume - likely enough for the Blue Oval to add a third row of seating to its compact MPV while still slotting neatly below the larger S-Max.

Styling is expected to follow Ford's most recent trends as set out by the Iosis-Max concept from this year's Geneva Motor Show, with a steeply raked windshield and highly expressive front fascia. A range of 1.6-liter four-cylinder turborcharged gasoline engines with 148 or 178 horsepower are rumored, along with at least a few diesel options when the new model hits European shores in 2010. Since it's based on the same platform as the next-gen Ford Focus, which we're eagerly awaiting here in the States, it seems distinctly possible the C-Max may not be far behind.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: 2010 Ford C-Max caught ahead of Frankfurt reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: Yet another next-gen Ford Focus photoshop

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, Rendered Speculation

Ford's design language can be largely distilled to three words: "let it ride." 2005's Iosis Concept created the template for kinetic design, and ever since then Ford has cashed in a number of winning bets on that language. Next up is the 2010 Ford Focus, based on the Iosis Max concept, and all of the speculation so far hints at a fine-looking, capable performer.

Powering the Focus will be a range of EcoBoost engines ranging from an 89 hp 1.0-liter to a 1.6-liter with 197 hp. Look for the Europeans to also get a diesel lineup that that tops out with a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter oil-burner. The available powerplants are expected to be mated with either a manual transmission or a Powershift twin-clutch setup.

The car's handling and refinement will be improved, and options are are expected to include a panoramic glass roof, Ford's Human Machine Interface, and a reversing camera. The next Ford Focus is expected to go on sale later this year in China, then in the U.S. shortly thereafter along with the C-Max compact people mover.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Yet another next-gen Ford Focus photoshop originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Ford Focus C-Max caught testing

Chris Shunk — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Crossover, Ford

Ford is looking to bring over more C-segment crossovers from Europe to the US, and word has it that the people-hauling C-Max is toward the top of the list. The current C-Max would probably be sufficient for US duty in terms of size and performance, but with America's different legislative standards, if we get the Euro crossover Stateside it will likely arrive with the next redesign.

The next C-Max is already on its way toward production, as evidenced by spy photos taken of a couple next-generation mules dredging through the snow. The C-Max mule is clothed in yesterday's duds, but a wider than usual b-pillar shows that the Euro crossover is going to get bigger. The extra four or five inches of interior volume could make room for a third row of seats, or Ford could simply be angling for extra cargo capacity. Either way, a new C-Max is en-route. And thanks to Ford's future ability to build Focus-sized vehicles in Louisville beginning in 2010, it could be built here in the States. We can hope.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Ford Focus C-Max caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Kuga

Nary a ~~month~~ ~~week~~ day goes by that we're not told of the imminent importation of Ford's grass-is-greener Euro models. The Fiesta has been approved for U.S. consumption in 2010, and even though we've heard the Focus shtick before, it would appear that it's finally coming to fruition in late 2010 or early 2011. But Ford can't rely on just one product to justify sales of the next-generation C1 platform in the States (there's also the Volvo S40/C30 and Mazda3), so it's looking to bring two other Blue Oval-branded models to justify the expense.

Speaking with Automotive News, Ford's president of the Americas, Mark Fields, confirmed that the U.S. is slated to receive multiple C-segment vehicles that have already debuted in Europe and Japan. The first vehicle that could conceivably be brought to market is the recently released Kuga crossover, which shares the C1 platform and could be marketed as the next Escape or Mercury Mariner if we're lucky. The second model is the Ford C-Max, which is a more modern take on the traditional people mover, and would provide SUV refugees a compelling case to downsize their rides into anything but a minivan.

Fields didn't divulge when the European product onslaught would take place, but it's a safe bet that if either vehicle immigrates across the Atlantic, we'll be seeing them around the turn of the decade.

Gallery: Ford Kuga

Gallery: 2008 Ford C-MAX

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford uses Bologna Motor Show to preview new C-Max

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Ford will unveil a freshened C-MAX at this year's Bologna Motor Show. Originally called a Focus C-MAX when it debuted a couple of years ago, Ford is losing its focus, umm, the Focus name and going with just C-MAX on the new version. Along with the S-MAX, the new "MAX" vehicles are being touted as the stylish family friendly versatility wagon lineup. The new C-MAX sports a revised front end that mimics the S, plus a slew of new features including a glass panoramic roof option.

One of the trick new features is the lighting. The C-MAX sports HIDs with 'light strips' in place of the more customary parking light bulbs, and light blue fluorescents create a very stylish and effective headlamp look. LEDs are used out back in a vertical arrangement that that reminds us of Volvos.

On the inside, the new look for C-MAX features upgraded materials all around, and a new instrument cluster uses red backlighting and cleaner graphics to give the dash a more modern and hip look. The center console also packs an auxiliary input socket for your iPod. And finally, that panorama glass roof will be an option, with its "Solar Reflect" coating keeping things cool inside despite the expanse of glass overhead. Pretty slick makeover. Now we have to wait and see if this C-MAX nanowagon will find its way stateside.

More pics and press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford uses Bologna Motor Show to preview new C-Max

Ford uses Bologna Motor Show to preview new C-Max originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments