The upgrades build on powertrain software updates Ford announced last month for the C-MAX Hybrid. The 2014 C-MAX also will benefit from several hardware changes, including:
• Gearing changes that result in a more efficient transmission drive ratio
• New hood seal, front and rear tire deflectors, A-pillar mouldings and the addition of rear lift gate deflectors to improve vehicle aerodynamics
• New engine oil with reduced friction
The enhancements to the 2014 C-MAX Hybrid are expected to improve customers' on-road fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds.
"Ford is absolutely committed to being a leader in the hybrid market and to top fuel efficiency across our lineup," said Raj Nair, Ford Motor Company, group vice president, global product development. "We are taking actions with our popular C-MAX Hybrid so that customers are even more satisfied with the vehicle's on-road fuel efficiency performance."
The variability of on-road fuel efficiency is greater for hybrids than for conventional vehicles. Relatively small differences in driver behaviour and driving conditions can have a significant effect on the degree to which a hybrid's gasoline engine is used for propulsion, which affects fuel efficiency.
CHANGES TO C-MAX HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY LABELING PROCESS
In addition to improving the vehicle itself, Ford is changing the way it generates the L/100 km label for C-MAX Hybrid going forward. Previously – and consistent with NRCAN'S Guidelines – testing of the Fusion Hybrid was used to generate fuel efficiency labels for a family of vehicles, including both Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid. The result was the same fuel efficiency label values for both vehicles.
While the company could continue to use NRCAN's Guidelines for C-MAX Hybrid, Ford voluntarily has decided to test and label C-MAX Hybrid separately going forward. The result will be a higher L/100 km label for the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid. Testing to generate a label for the 2014 C-MAX Hybrid is not yet complete.
Label changes for the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will result in a higher combined fuel efficiency rating of 4.5L/100 km.
Because this voluntary step results in L/100 km values different from the original C-MAX Hybrid label, Ford also is making a goodwill payment to current C-MAX Hybrid owners for the estimated average fuel cost of the difference between the two labels. Customers who purchased their vehicle will receive a cheque from Ford for $895. Customers who leased their vehicle will receive a cheque for $595.
As of July, Ford has sold approximately 1,000 C-MAX Hybrid vehicles in Canada.
Existing customers will be notified by mail, and Ford is working with dealers to re-label vehicles on dealer lots. Customers with questions can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at http://www.ford.ca/service/customerSupport/, or call 1-800-565-3673.