Ford to Triple EV Production in North America by 2013

Yesterday, Ford was announcing it has decided to increase production of the C-Max and Grand C-Max models in Spain to keep up with increasing demand. Now, the American automaker is tripling production capacity of its electrified vehicle lineup in North America through 2013 due to the same reason, focusing on the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles, which begin production next year.

Five electrified vehicles are planned for North America by 2012 – including the Transit Connect Electric, on sale now, and Focus Electric this year. The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid will be followed by another next-generation hybrid in 2012.

Ford’s plan to invest in even more capacity for its five-passenger C-MAX electrified models for North America replaces an earlier plan of introducing the gasoline-engine-powered seven-passenger C-MAX multi-activity vehicle.

The decision is also set to generate jobs to Ford and America This also marks the first time North American customers will have the choice of a dedicated body style for a range of Ford electrified vehicles.

Both the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi models will be built alongside the all-new 2012 Ford Focus and Focus Electric at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

“Customers have come to expect fuel efficiency with every new vehicle Ford delivers today, and now we are further differentiating our electrified vehicle lineup with something else people truly value – choice,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. “Whether people want a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or full battery electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles.”