Ford's Prius-fighter will be the task?Ford hopes to triple by 2013 her hybrid sales to 100,000 units per year with the upcoming C-Max hybrid leading the way.
"This is our Prius fighter," Ford Marketing Chief Jim Farley has said recently.
But the figures are correct?
Today, Ford's marquee hybrid Fusion hybrid, a great hybrid car and a worthy competitor to the Toyota Camry hybrid. In fact, on paper the Fusion the superior hybrid EPA, at least on paper. According to the EPA's fuel economy ratings reached the Fusion hybrid, 41/36 mpg city/highway, while the Camry hybrid is only appreciated 31/35 mpg.
This increase in fuel efficiency is also, of course, at higher costs. In addition, according to real world testing by Consumer Reports, there is really little difference in real-world fuel consumption between these two hybrid cars. Also, according to the EPA's "drivers Like You" estimates of the hybrid Camry actually out-performs the Fusion hybrid in fuel efficiency.
So, is the Fusion hybrid is more than a Camry hybrid really worth? Probably not based purely on fuel economy numbers, but in terms of styling and other facilities, it can still be a better case for many consumers.
However, how will the C-Max compare with the Prius?
Both will 5-passenger cars, although the C-Max better with the larger Prius V, instead of the conventional Prius compare maybe. While fuel consumption is not yet established, suggest rumors that the new Fusion hybrid up to 48 mpg will achieve it. Since the C-Max is expected to share this updated hybrid powertrain that would still leave prices the C-Max, a bit shy of the 51 mpg the EPA the Prius. In addition, this 48 mpg number of real-world fuel consumption, or tweaked EPA fuel economy?
Still, not the numbers that really caught my attention. Instead, the sale of numbers: 100,000 total hybrid sales in 2013. Based on current sales of Ford, who would be the C-Max less than 70,000 units per year, far less than the Prius. Consequently, in 2013, the Prius will only continue to far outsell Ford's hybrids. Add in Toyota hybrid sales worldwide, and there is still no comparison.
Why?
Price. It seems that the C-Max will be more expensive than the Prius, especially if more like the Prius V format. On the other hand, if the C-Max cheaper than the Prius were, perhaps giving the King of hybrids a run for the money, even if slightly less efficient fuel. That would mean that the C-Max could move only 100,000 + units per year.
Then again, there is always the chance Ford is under-promising and preparing to deliver. Wouldn't that be a nice surprise?
Anyway, if the Fusion hybrid, I'm sure the C-Max will be a fine hybrid offering, but I'm not quite sure it will be a real Prius contender just yet, at least not on the basis of the information available.
Category: buying hybrids, Ford C-Max hybrid, fuel consumption, hybrid cars, Misc., Toyota Prius, Toyota Prius V, ford fusion hybrid Tags: Ford Focus C-Max hybrid, ford fusion hybrid, fuel economy, hybrid cars, Toyota Camry hybrid, Toyota Prius
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