Green News: Ford C-Max Hybrid for Europe

Ford's Valencia plant in Spain will build the company's first hybrid models for European customers with two advanced technology derivatives of the all-new five-seat Ford C-MAX compact multi-activity model to be launched in 2013 – a full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

Valencia was confirmed in 2009 as the European single source for all versions of the
all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX which launch later this year, and which feature a range of highly efficient new Ford EcoBoost petrol and Duratorq TDCi diesel engines.

As part of the company's global sourcing strategy, the Valencia Plant also will produce the seven-seat version of the 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. 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," said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe and executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Labour Affairs.

John Fleming was speaking at a ceremony to mark the HEV and PHEV C-MAX announcement in the city of Valencia. He was joined by Spain's Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Señor Miguel Sebastián Gascón, and by Señor Francisco Camps Ortiz, President of the Generalitat Velenciana, the Valencia regional administration.

"Our Valencia Plant here in Spain will build these new C-MAX five-seat hybrid models exclusively for European customers seeking a practical, efficient and affordable environmental vehicle, while the export to North America of the new Grand C-MAX petrol model beginning in late 2011 opens a new era of production for the team at the plant," Fleming added.

The reason for building both full Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle versions of the five-seat Ford C-MAX is to provide customers with greater choice to suit their specific driving and living environments.

Full HEVs charge their electric batteries through the use of the small displacement internal combustion engine along with energy recapture through the regenerative brake system, whereas PHEVs have the ability to also recharge their electric batteries through an external source, such as a conventional electric power socket.

"The extra benefit of being able to additionally recharge your batteries at home or other parking location means that PHEVs might better suit those customers who do the majority of their driving in city and other urban environments where electric battery power is the preferred powertrain alternative," commented Fleming.

Credits: wilswong