Topic: Rumour Mill: Ford Building Prius Fighter

[Autos_Editor]

Ford to take on Prius.

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[paul246]

"is Ford too late to the party?".... that would be the understatement of the last 17 years.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Would not all car need to be Prius fighter with the changes in CAFE

[blotter]

better late than never.

more competition hopefully pushes everyone to make a better product.
and maybe being "17 years late" gives Ford a chance to learn from what Toyota's been doing.

[Prius]

No. That question was asked when Acura launched the MDX but we now see that it's been a success for Acura. I think it'll be good for the market. They'll tap into those who want a domestic vehicle that's fuel efficient and stylish and "isn't a Prius".

[ArticSteve]

It will still be a Ford ..... always something wrong with it.

[Fobroader]

Wasnt that hybrid van thing, C max maybe, supposed to take on the Prius??

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Wasnt that hybrid van thing, C max maybe, supposed to take on the Prius??

Prius V. It wasn't purpose built hybrid, but an existing car that had provision for a hybrid drivetrain.

[johngenx]

The Prius has done so well in part thanks to the distinctive exterior that allows people to make a hybrid statement.  It's also developed a well-deserved reputation for stellar build quality and longevity and that has dramatically increased the number of "regular" people willing to buy one.

[ArticSteve]

Wasnt that hybrid van thing, C max maybe, supposed to take on the Prius??

Ford didn't know what market it was entering with the C less.   They lied about the mileage, it became very public, they had to reimburse owners and surprise, surprise .... sales have collapsed.   Hence another kick at the can.

One thing you can count on, even before it's release, Ford will announce: "It's better than the Prius". 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Wasnt that hybrid van thing, C max maybe, supposed to take on the Prius??

Ford didn't know what market it was entering with the C less.   They lied about the mileage, it became very public, they had to reimburse owners and surprise, surprise .... sales have collapsed.   Hence another kick at the can.

One thing you can count on, even before it's release, Ford will announce: "It's better than the Prius". 

Quicker, quieter, much nicer interior, much better dynamics, and it still has excellent fuel consumption. Pretty easy argument to make.

[X-Traction]

Wasnt that hybrid van thing, C max maybe, supposed to take on the Prius??

Ford didn't know what market it was entering with the C less.   They lied about the mileage, it became very public, they had to reimburse owners and surprise, surprise .... sales have collapsed.   Hence another kick at the can.

And while 50% of 2005-2012 Escape Hybrids had AWD, and there is no current generation Escape Hybrid, and the C-Max was supposed to be the replacement for the Escape Hybrid AWD, AWD is not available on the C-Max. You'd think this would be a sufficiently popular feature to make it a profitable option. C-less indeed!

[johngenx]

Slightly off topic, but I'd like to know that take rate on the Highlander Hybrid.  They're the top model by a serious margin, but Toyota keeps building them, so it must make financial sense.  Maybe the low volumes are more than offset by large margins.

I've also wondered about why they don't "drop" the driveline in the Sienna as they did the RX.

[Northernridge]

The article asks if Ford is too late. Definitely not but they have to get it right. I think all other manufacturers should go kiss Toyota's ring for making a hybrid market with the Prius.

My off topic comment is that the current Accord hybrid seems to be garnering fuel efficiency accolades which kinds suprises me.

[ArticSteve]

The article asks if Ford is too late. Definitely not but they have to get it right. I think all other manufacturers should go kiss Toyota's ring for making a hybrid market with the Prius.


If Ford had any b*lls it would offer an Escape Hybrid and beat Toyota to that very sizable market and then kill that C-Less turkey off.

[WRX_Pilot]

2019? Pfff we'll all be riding around in Amazon drones by then.

[johngenx]

Google auto driving cars.

[Julie]

Quicker, quieter, much nicer interior, much better dynamics, and it still has excellent fuel consumption. Pretty easy argument to make.

You're talking about the C-Max, right? I had a read a few reviews that seemed complimentary.

[Bubba]

2019? Pfff we'll all be riding around in Amazon drones by then.

Where the hell is my flying car?

[jyarkony]

Wasnt that hybrid van thing, C max maybe, supposed to take on the Prius??

Ford didn't know what market it was entering with the C less.   They lied about the mileage, it became very public, they had to reimburse owners and surprise, surprise .... sales have collapsed.   Hence another kick at the can.

And while 50% of 2005-2012 Escape Hybrids had AWD, and there is no current generation Escape Hybrid, and the C-Max was supposed to be the replacement for the Escape Hybrid AWD, AWD is not available on the C-Max. You'd think this would be a sufficiently popular feature to make it a profitable option. C-less indeed!

I'm with you. If Toyota can get their sh!t together and deliver a RAV4 Hybrid with the Camry hybrid powertrain and swoopy Prius styling, they will lock out everybody else. If GM can beat them with a Voltec ute, it could be anyone's game.