What a shame the 7 passenger is not making it at this time. It is a very impressive vehicle and for sure Canadian consumers
would have appreciated it.
Just read that Ford had to boost production at its Valencia plant which assembles the 7 and 5 seater C-Max to keep up with demand in European markets.
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=34758Which I think is a big reason why Ford N.A. has decided not to launch it at this time. As Valencia Assembly was the designated plant to
build the North American spec 7 passenger C-Max for export and now Valencia can hardly keep pace with demand for Europe. And if sales were strong, then Ford was going to move North American production to its Louisville Assembly Plant at a future date. With the vehicle already set to meet the different North American regulations, it will not surprise me to see the 7 passenger re-launched at a later date.
I cannot see Ford wasting all that investment for the certification etc to get the C-Max ready for North America, plus on-line suppliers, the re-tooling they have done a Louisville Assembly etc. If gas prices keep rising, this will almost force Ford to include this size of vehicle in its North America line up be it next year or the year after.
Louisville is being re-tooled to be Fords most flexible assembly plant, able to build up to 6 different vehicles. First vehicle being assembled there will be the next Escape/Kuga , and then the 7 passenger C-Max was next in the pipe line. At least Ford can act quickly if market demand for this vehicle looks good.
Still good that they are continuing with the 5 seat C-Max and setting up a dedicated body style for their Hybrid & Plug in Hybrid. It is very good car to drive, almost as fun as the new Focus.
