Ford to Build First Hybrid Models for Europe in Valencia

Ford will build its first hybrid models for Europe at its Valencia plant, with an investment of up to $36 million, partly funded by the Spanish government. The factory will also build the seven-seat C-Max MPV for North America, the automaker confirmed on Monday.

Due to launch in 2013, the vehicles will be derivatives of the redesigned 5-seater 2010 C-Max MPV: a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Valencia will also produce a seven-seat version of the C-Max for export to North America, beginning in late 2011, following the launch there of the European-designed but Mexican-built Fiesta in coming weeks and the Michigan-built 2011 Focus, with which the C-Max shares its platform, later this year.

"These new models are key to Ford's commitment to delivering a portfolio of alternative powertrain vehicles globally and to European customers in the next few years," said Ford of Europe chairman and CEO John Fleming.

"Our Valencia plant here in Spain will build these new C-Max five-seat hybrid models exclusively for European customers seeking a practical, efficient and affordable environmental vehicle while the export to North America of the new Grand C-Max petrol model beginning in late 2011 opens a new era of production for the team at the plant," Fleming added.

Ford plans to introduce five battery electric vehicle (BEV) and hybrid models in Europe by 2013. The C-Max derivatives will join the full EV Transit Connect, already announced for 2011, and a battery-electric Focus due in 2012. The fifth vehicle, also a hybrid-electric, will be announced later.

The C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will go on sale across Europe during the second half of 2010, while the seven-seat model for North America will go into production in Valencia in late 2011.