Well, it turns out there�s been a slight change of plans as the Detroit automaker just announced it won�t be bringing the petrol-powered Grand C-MAX to the U.S. after all. But not all is lost for fans of the Focus-based minivan as Ford will focus on the five-seat C-MAX in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid formats. The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles were previewed at the Detroit Auto Show this past January.
Ford�s plan it to compete head on the forthcoming Prius V minivan and possibly steal some customers away from GM�s Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf with the plug-in hybrid version.
The company said the pure hybrid version of the C-MAX is targeted to deliver better fuel economy than Fusion Hybrid and travel at a higher all-electric speed than Fusion Hybrid�s 47 mph. It will also be the first of two new Ford Hybrids to use lithium-ion battery technology.
The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will be equipped with a 240-volt charging system allowing it �according to Ford- to fully recharge faster than Chevy Volt. Ford added that it is being engineered to �deliver more overall driving range than any other plug-in or extended range electric vehicle�.
Both variants of the North American C-MAX minivan will be built alongside the all-new 2012 Focus and Focus Electric at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant.
U.S. sales are expected to begin late next year.
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