As criticism mounts, Ford lowers EPA rating on C-Max Hybrid

(August 16, 2013) DEARBORN — Ford has announced that it is cutting the fuel-economy rating of its C-Max Hybrid car 8.5 percent to 43 mpg from 47 mpg — a rare and costly move that Ford spent months feverishly working to avoid.

Ford has faced heavy criticism and lawsuits about worse-than-expected fuel economy for several new models, including the C-Max, whose window stickers have advertised 47 mpg for city, highway and combined driving. The ratings are based on tests Ford conducted and data it submitted to the EPA.


The company and EPA said the new rating on the C-Max will be 43 mpg combined, 45 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

Ford put a positive spin on the move underscoring its commitment to fuel economy leadership saying the company is changing the way it tests and labels the 2013 C-Max Hybrid for fuel economy to better match performance and improve customer satisfaction.

The upgrades build on powertrain software updates Ford announced last month for the 2013 C-Max Hybrid.


Ford said it is putting enhancements into the 2014 C-Max Hybrid to reach showrooms this fall that are expected to improve customers’ on-road fuel economy, 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, 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 economy is greater for hybrids than for conventional vehicles. Relatively small differences in driver behavior 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, Ford said.

Because this voluntary step results in miles-per-gallon 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 check from Ford for $550. Customers who leased their vehicle will receive a check for $325.

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://corporate.ford.com/owner-services/customer-support/contact-ford, or +1-800-392-3673.

Sources: Ford Motor Company, Automotive News