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Ford C-Max
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=== Hybrid === Ford developed the C-Max Hybrid with the aim to become "America’s most affordable hybrid utility vehicle." The gasoline-electric hybrid model base pricing started at {{USD|24,995}}, including destination and delivery.<ref name=WP0712/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2017/Ford/C-Max-Hybrid/SE-FWD/Pricing|title=New 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE FWD MSRP Prices|website=NADAguides|access-date=2017-04-06}}</ref> ==== Specifications ==== [[File:Ford C-Max Hybrid Automobile on Display at the Entrance to the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant.JPG|thumb|left|Ford C-Max Hybrid on display at the entrance to Ford's [[Wayne Stamping & Assembly]] plant]] The front-wheel drive hybrid has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder [[Atkinson cycle]] engine mated to an electric motor and a 1.4 [[kWh]] [[lithium-ion battery]] for total power output of {{convert|188|hp|kW PS|0}}. The top speed in [[all-electric mode]] of {{convert|65|mph|abbr=on}} and the car's top speed in hybrid mode is {{convert|115|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name=SFC101212/><ref name=GCC070812/><ref name=Specs>{{cite web |url=http://www.ford.com/cars/cmax/specifications/engine/ |title=2013 C-MAX Specifications - Engine |author=Ford Motor Co. |publisher=Ford |access-date=2012-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929044650/http://www.ford.com/cars/cmax/specifications/engine/ |archive-date=2012-09-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The hybrid has a maximum cargo volume of {{convert|52.6|cuft|L|abbr=on}} with rear seats folded flat, and {{convert|24.5|cuft|L|abbr=on}} in the cargo area behind the rear seats, providing more room than the regular Prius liftback, but less cargo room than the [[Prius V]], which provides {{convert|67.3|cuft|L|abbr=on}} with the rear seats folded.<ref name=SFC101212/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ford.com/cars/cmax/specifications/capacities/|title=2013 C-MAX Specifications - Capacities|author=Ford Motor Co.|publisher=Ford|access-date=2012-10-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123024831/http://www.ford.com/cars/cmax/specifications/capacities/|archive-date=2014-01-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> The '''Hybrid''' is offered in two trims: The '''SE''' features [[eco-friendly]] cloth seating surfaces, [[Ford SYNC]] system with A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player, [[USB]] and [[Jack (connector)|auxiliary]] input jacks, six speakers, a multi-informational gauge cluster and color display screen, keyless entry, alloy wheels, and split-folding rear bench seat, plus a security alarm. The '''SEL''' adds leather seating surfaces, [[MyFord Touch]] with AM/FM [[HD radio]] stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and [[USB]] and [[Jack (connector)|auxiliary]] input jacks, a [[Sony]] premium [[surround sound]] system, [[SIRIUS Satellite Radio]], power dual front seats, keyless access, push-button start system, and other luxury features. For the 2017 model year, the SEL trim level on both the C-Max Hybrid and Energi were renamed to the Titanium trim level and also all the 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrids and plug-in Energis were expected to have restyled headlights and taillights. The '''Energi Plug-In Hybrid''' was only available in '''SEL''' trim, but for the 2017 model year, the C-Max Energi was also available on the SE trim level. ==== EPA ratings ==== Ford's design aimed for the C-Max Hybrid to deliver better [[fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]] than the Toyota Prius V.<ref name=GCC121411/> Ford had reduced its estimated fuel economy twice, once in 2013 and again in 2014, with the second revision placing fuel economy below the Prius V.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2014/06/fords-revised-mileage-figures-match-what-weve-observed-mostly.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616170341/http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2014/06/fords-revised-mileage-figures-match-what-weve-observed-mostly.html |archive-date=2014-06-16 |title=Reduced MPG in Six Ford Models Matches Cars.com's Results - KickingTires}}</ref> The [[US Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) initially rated the hybrid model at {{convert|47|mpgus|abbr=on}} with the same rating for combined/city/highway cycles. These ratings allowed the C-Max Hybrid to improve the fuel economy of the [[Toyota Prius v]] by {{cvt|3|mpgus}} on the city cycle, by {{cvt|7|mpgus}} on the highway cycle and by {{cvt|5|mpgus}} combined.<ref name=GCC070812>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/08/cmax-20120807.html|title=Ford C-MAX Hybrid EPA-rated at 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway; plug-in Energi version offers 85 mph top electric speed |author=Ford Media|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=2012-08-07|access-date=2012-08-07}}</ref> However, after criticism and lawsuits about worse-than-expected real-world fuel economy, in August 2013 Ford voluntarily lowered the EPA ratings and issued customer rebates. The revised fuel economy ratings were reduced to {{convert|45|mpgus|abbr=on}} for city driving, {{convert|43|mpgus|abbr=on}} for combined and {{convert|40|mpgus|abbr=on}} for highway.<ref name=NewEPArating>{{cite news|url=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130815/OEM05/130819953/ford-lowers-fuel-economy-rating-on-c-max-hybrid-to-43-mpg#axzz2c5j0FBiD|title=Ford lowers fuel economy rating on C-Max hybrid 8.5% to 43 mpg|author=Nick Bunkley, Bradford Wernle and Gabe Nelson|work=[[Automotive News]]|date=2013-08-15|access-date=2013-08-16}}</ref> The revised rating for the updated 2013 C-Max Hybrid is still better than the {{convert|42|mpgus|abbr=on}} combined rating for the Toyota Prius v.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://green.autoblog.com/2013/08/15/ford-c-max-hybrid-rerated-at-43-mpg-owners-offered-rebates/#continued |title=Ford C-Max hybrid rerated at 43 mpg, owners offered rebates|author=Sebastian Blanco|publisher=Autoblog Green|date=2013-08-15|access-date=2013-08-16}} ''See Press Release''.</ref> A second downward revision was made during June 2014. Ford boosted the on-road [[fuel efficiency]] of its three 2013 model year hybrids through changes in the cars' vehicle control software in an effort to improve customer satisfaction. The upgrade was offered free of charge to existing owners of these hybrids. Some of the changes include:<ref name=Upgrade>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1085595_2013-ford-c-max-fusion-hybrids-to-be-modified-to-boost-mpg-in-real-world-use|title=2013 Ford C-Max, Fusion Hybrids To Be Modified To Boost MPG In Real-World Use |author=John Voelcker |publisher=Green Car Reports|date=2013-07-17|access-date=2013-08-16}}</ref> * Increasing the maximum pure electric speed from {{convert|62|to|85|mph|abbr=on}}, allowing increased use of electric-only mode on the highway * Optimizing the use of active grille shutters to reduce aerodynamic drag under more driving and temperature conditions, including cold weather, during air conditioner use, and when the engine coolant temperature is higher * Reducing the electric fan speed as a function of coolant temperature to minimize the fan’s energy consumption * Shortening engine warm-up time by up to 50% to enable electric-only driving and engine shutdown at stops sooner after cold starts * Optimizing the climate-control system to minimize use of the air-conditioning compressor and reduce the energy used in cold-weather operation ==== Sales ==== A total of 969 units was sold during September 2012, allowing the C-Max Hybrid to rank as the ninth-best selling hybrid car in the United States that month.<ref name=USales0912>{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/news/september-2012-dashboard-53157.html|title=September 2012 Dashboard|author=HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates|publisher=HybridCars.com|date=2012-10-04|access-date=2012-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115123641/http://www.hybridcars.com/news/september-2012-dashboard-53157.html|archive-date=2012-11-15|url-status=dead}} ''See September 2012 Hybrid Car Sales Numbers''</ref> During October, its first full month in the market, 3,182 units were sold, outselling the Prius V by more than 400 units, which had ranked as the fourth-most sold hybrid in the previous months. Sales of the C-Max Hybrid also led Ford to achieve its best October hybrid sales month ever with a total of 4,612 sales, up 142% over October 2011. Ford reported that 25% of C-Max Hybrid sales took place in California, with [[Los Angeles metropolitan area|Los Angeles]] and [[San Francisco Bay Area|San Francisco]] as the top-selling regional markets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/news/notable-sales-spikes-electrified-vehicles-october-58458.html|title=Notable Sales Spikes For Electrified Vehicles In October|author=Jeff Cobb|publisher=HybridCars.com|date=2012-11-02|access-date=2012-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105041643/http://www.hybridcars.com/news/notable-sales-spikes-electrified-vehicles-october-58458.html|archive-date=2012-11-05|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/11/cmax-20121102.html|title=Ford C-MAX Hybrid posts 3,182 units in first full month of sales, outpacing Prius V |author=Ford Media |publisher=Green Car Congress|date=2012-11-02|access-date=2012-11-02}}</ref> A total of 10,935 C-Max Hybrids were sold during 2012,<ref name=Sales2012US/> and a total of 28,056 units in 2013.<ref name=Sales2013US/> After Ford cut the car's EPA fuel economy rating by {{cvt|4|mpgus}} to {{cvt|43|mpgus}} in the middle of 2012, the car experienced its three worst sales months since it debuted in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|last=Trudell|first=Craig|title=Ford Widens U.S. Sales Lead Over Toyota on Hybrid Models|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-30/ford-widens-u-s-sales-lead-over-toyota-on-hybrid-models.html|work=Bloomberg|date=30 December 2013|access-date=28 February 2014}}</ref> Since its inception, a total of 72,330 units had been sold in the United States through December 2015.<ref name=Sales2012US/><ref name=Sales2013US/><ref name=Sales2014US/><ref name=Sales2015US/> ====Fuel economy controversies==== {{update|section|date=June 2014|The section is missing the fuel economy downgrade that took place in June 2014.}} In December 2012, ''[[Motor Trend]]'' reported that ''[[Consumer Reports]]'' magazine and Green Car Reports have found that the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid and [[Ford Fusion Hybrid#Second generation|2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid]], which share the same powertrain, do not deliver their triple {{convert|47|mpgus|abbr=on}} EPA ratings in real-world use.<ref name=MT1212>{{cite news|url=http://wot.motortrend.com/we-hear-2013-ford-fusion-hybrid-2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-dont-achieve-epa-fuel-economy-ratings-300391.html#axzz2FqEZN68f|title=We Hear: 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, C-Max Hybrid Don't Achieve EPA Fuel-Economy Ratings |author= Jake Holmes|work=[[Motor Trend]]|date=2012-12-04|access-date=2012-12-24}}</ref><ref name=CR1212>{{cite news|url=http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/12/video-tests-show-2013-ford-fusion-c-max-hybrids-dont-live-up-to-47-mpg-claims.html|title=Tests show Ford Fusion, C-Max hybrids don't live up to 47-mpg claims|author=Consumer Reports|publisher=[[Consumer Reports]]|date=2012-12-06|access-date=2012-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414134501/http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/12/video-tests-show-2013-ford-fusion-c-max-hybrids-dont-live-up-to-47-mpg-claims.html|archive-date=2013-04-14|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=GCR1112>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1080580_ford-hybrids-fuel-economy-failing-to-live-up-to-epa-ratings|title=Ford Hybrids' Fuel Economy Failing To Live Up To EPA Ratings? |author=John Voelcker|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=2012-11-20|access-date=2012-12-24}}</ref> After running both vehicles through Consumer Reports real-world tests, the magazine found that C-Max hybrid achieved a combined fuel economy average of {{convert|37|mpgus|abbr=on}}, with {{convert|35|mpgus|abbr=on}} and {{convert|38|mpgus|abbr=on}} for city and highway.<ref name=CR1212/> Green Car Reports found that the C-Max delivered {{convert|37|mpgus|abbr=on}} over {{convert|50|mi|abbr=on}} of mixed freeway and urban driving, and {{convert|40|mpgus|abbr=on}} over {{convert|240|mi|abbr=on}} mostly at freeway speeds.<ref name=GCR1112/> ''Consumer Reports'' concluded that the overall fuel economy for the C-Max Hybrid is off by {{cvt|10|mpgus}}, representing a deviation of about 20%. The consumer magazine said that their overall fuel economy results are usually close to the EPA's combined-mpg estimate, and among current models tested, more than 80% fall within {{cvt|2|mpgus}} margin. The largest discrepancy the magazine has previously found was {{cvt|7|and|6|mpgus}} for the [[Toyota Prius C]] and the [[Toyota Prius (XW30)|Prius hatchback]], respectively.<ref name=CR1212/><ref name=LAT1212/> Ford responded in a statement, saying, "Early C-MAX Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid customers praise the vehicles and report a range of fuel economy figures, including some reports above {{cvt|47|mpgus}}. This reinforces the fact that driving styles, driving conditions, and other factors can cause mileage to vary."<ref name=LAT1212>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-ford-inflated-fuel-economy-20121206,0,1964927.story|title=Consumer Reports says Ford Fusion, C-Max don't achieve MPG claims |author=Jerry Hirsch|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=2012-12-06|access-date=2012-12-24}}</ref><ref name=DT1212/> A few days later, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it would review claims that two new Ford hybrid vehicles were not delivering the advertised 47 mpg. Linc Wehrly, Director of Light-duty Vehicle Center Compliance Division at EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]], commented that hybrids had far more variability in miles per gallon than conventional vehicles. All vehicles are run through the same EPA fuel-efficiency tests, but they are not administered by the EPA; instead, the automakers conduct the test and EPA often conducts reviews. Most vehicles' real-world gas mileage levels are less than the EPA sticker number, and can often be 20% less. depending on speed, temperature, and other factors. The EPA explained that with hybrids, the gap was much wider, as high as 30%.<ref name=DT1212>{{cite news|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121208/AUTO0102/212080368#ixzz2FwSbbWeI|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122141818/http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121208/AUTO0102/212080368%23ixzz2FwSbbWeI|url-status=dead|title=EPA will review Ford C-Max, Fusion 47 mpg claims|author=David Shepardson and Karl Henkel|work=[[The Detroit News]]|date=2012-12-08|access-date=2012-12-24|archive-date=2013-01-22}}</ref> The problem lay with EPA's rules that allowed automakers to group similar vehicles and apply the same ratings, which Ford did with the Fusion hybrid and C-Max hybrids.<ref>{{cite web|last=Woodyard|first=Chris|title=Ford lowers C-Max hybrid's mpg rating, offers rebates|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/08/15/ford-cmax-mp/2660371/|work=USA Today|access-date=28 February 2014}}</ref> Ford Motor Co. officials said the real-world fuel efficiency in the C-Max Hybrid depended on driving style and other factors, and that the company did not expect the car's fuel efficiency numbers to change, as they followed EPA's test guidelines. Ford said they were working closely with the EPA to determine if their hybrid vehicle testing procedures needed to be changed. They explained that several factors could affect hybrid fuel economy more than that of regular gasoline engines, including speed (as the difference between {{convert|75|and|65|mph|km/h}} could produce a 7 mpg difference in fuel economy); outside temperature (the difference between {{convert|40|and|70|F|C}} could result in a 5 mpg difference); and vehicle break-in (a 5 mpg difference could occur from the difference {{convert|0|to|6|mi|km}}).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121214/AUTO0102/212140426#ixzz2FwWJSPE7|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121123808/http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121214/AUTO0102/212140426%23ixzz2FwWJSPE7|url-status=dead|title=Ford stands behind fuel efficiency numbers for C-Max Hybrid|author=KARL HENKEL|work=[[The Detroit News]]|date=2012-12-14|access-date=2012-12-24|archive-date=2013-01-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/12/cmax-20121215.html|title=Ford's math on hybrid fuel economy; standing by the C-MAX EPA ratings, acknowledging large real-world variance|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=2012-12-15|access-date=2012-12-24}}</ref> Due to the criticism and lawsuits, in July 2013, Ford announced it would boost the on-road fuel efficiency of the C-Max and its other two 2013 hybrids through changes in the vehicle control software, in an effort to improve customer satisfaction.<ref name=Upgrade/> The carmaker voluntarily reduced the official EPA ratings in August 2013.<ref name=NewEPArating/> It also announced it would issue rebates to some 32,000 C-Max owners, who would be notified by mail. The payment would be {{USD|550}} to U.S. customers who purchased C-Maxes, and {{USD|325}} to customers who had leased them.<ref name=NewEPArating/> After the Ford announcement, the EPA stated that it would update the test procedures used to assign fuel economy ratings to cars "to ensure that the requirements keep pace with industry trends and innovations in advanced high-efficiency vehicles." Ford used the Fusion Hybrid test to generate the fuel economy label for the C-Max Hybrid following EPA's rules. These, which date to the 1970s, specify that automakers can use the same fuel economy numbers for similar-sized vehicles equipped with the same engines and transmissions. The EPA requires automakers to test the fuel economy of the biggest-selling model in a specific category. In its midsized hybrid class, Ford tested the Fusion sedan version because it was the top seller, and Ford was allowed to apply the {{convert|47|mpgus|abbr=on}} achieved with the Fusion Hybrid in combined, city, and highway driving to the C-Max hybrid. Ford had no plans to change the fuel economy ratings on the 2013 Fusion hybrid.<ref name=NewEPArating/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/16/business/us-to-bring-gas-mileage-rules-to-era-of-hybrids.html?ref=automobiles&_r=1&|title=U.S. to Bring Gas Mileage Rules to Era of Hybrids |author=Bill Vlasic|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=2013-08-15|access-date=2013-08-17}}</ref> In June 2014, Ford found some glitches in their internal tests and had to drop the MPG ratings by 1-2 miles per gallon for a few models like the 2013-2014 Fusion and C-Max hybrids, including the plug-ins. To mitigate customers' concerns, the automaker provided financial compensation. Depending on whether the vehicle was bought or leased, owners got from $150 to $1,050 to help cover the increase in fuel costs due to the new ratings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pope |first=Byron |date=15 August 2014 |title=Ford Hybrid Sales Bounce Back From Fuel-Economy Adjustments |url=https://www.wardsauto.com/internal-combustion-engines/ford-hybrid-sales-bounce-back-from-fuel-economy-adjustments |work=WardsAuto}}</ref>
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