Propelled by four new
gas-electric models, Ford saw record hybrid sales in the first quarter this
year, but perhaps more importantly, the automaker boosted its share of the electrified-vehicle
market by 4 percent year-over-year during the same time. The 2013 Ford Fusion
Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid, along with the 2013 Ford
Fusion Energi and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrids, helped drive more than 21,000
hybrid sales for the company in the first three months of 2013, resulting in a
324 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Ford claims that
three out of every four of its buyers in key hybrid markets are converting from
competitors, with Toyota coming in as the top conquest brand for the Fusion
Hybrid and C-MAX hybrids. Meanwhile, initial sales data suggests that conquest
rates are holding steadily above 60 percent for the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX
Energi. Edmunds.com also reports that the Fusion Hybrid has taken the lead over
the Toyota Camry Hybrid in purchase consideration among consumers.
"Ford may have
taken longer than Toyota to enter the hybrid market, but during that time it
developed an approach that ensured style, performance and versatility would not
be sacrificed in the name of fuel efficiency," said John Melkonian,
general manager of Stoneham Ford, a Ford
dealer serving Boston. "Now Ford customers can get their fuel savings
in a boldly styled midsize sedan with one of the Fusion hybrids, or they can
opt for plenty of flexible seating and cargo space with one of the C-MAX
hybrids."
Powered by a 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine, an advanced electric motor and a lithium-ion battery
pack, the Ford Fusion Hybrid produces a lively system output of 188 horsepower,
yet it returns up to 47 mpg during city, highway and combined driving. Ford's C-MAX
Hybrid mirrors those EPA ratings while offering up to 52.6 cubic feet of cargo
room behind the first-row seats. With their charging capabilities, the Fusion
Energi and C-MAX Energi can each net up to 108 MPGe in the city.
Even with its hybrid
models gaining momentum, Ford continues to focus on advancing the fuel economy
of its gas-only vehicles. Building on the success of its EcoBoost engine
lineup, the automaker will be introducing a new 1.5-liter unit in the Fusion
later this year. Like Ford's current 1.6-liter EcoBoost powerplant, the
1.5-liter EcoBoost will use a combination of turbocharging, direct injection
and variable valve timing, but it is expected to be even more fuel efficient while
providing similar performance.
"Ford has
taken a multidimensional approach to improving fuel economy in recent years,
whether it is through hybrid drivetrains, lighter frames or just by getting
more out of traditional gas engines," added Melkonian. "Regardless of
customers' drivetrain preferences, they'll find technology that is just as
advanced on the inside of their car, like the intuitive SYNC with MyFord Touch
infotainment system."
