Ford has said that it plans to launch hybrid versions of its new-generation C-Max small minivan in Europe in 2013. The automaker plans to invest $410 million at its plant in Valencia, Spain over the next three years to prepare that plant for production of hybrid electric and a plug-in electric versions of the C-Max. For those Americans who don’t know, the Ford C-Max is a compact multi-purpose vehicle that is produced by Ford in Saarlouis for the European market and the American market but more than likely you won’t see any of these at your Cincinnati Ford dealer.
Ford said the Spanish government and Valencia regional administration are providing grant support but did not disclose the amount. The announcement is part of the automaker’s plans to introduce five hybrid vehicles in Europe by 2013.
Hybrid electric vehicles, which are available at a Concord Ford dealer, use a small gasoline engine to recharge an electric battery that powers the car while plug-in electric vehicles are designed to go farther on a single battery charge and also can be recharged by being plugged into an electric power source. Ford will build the five and seven seat C-Max off of its all-new compact car platform – the same platform that will be the basis of the all-new Ford Focus.
