As you know, last week I spent some time in Detroit at Ford, checking out the technology of their cars and their green initiatives. I had so much fun, and am completely in love with Ford Motor Company. Not that they had much convincing to do in the first place since the only car we own is a ’99 Ford Explorer. Also over the years I have also owned a Mustang (named Athena), and an Escort (named Spartacus). The 2 Ford cars I owned previously are the only cars I didn’t crash as a young adult (and believe me, there were many that I did crash. Trust me, you did NOT want to be my parents during those years). The other reason they didn’t have to go far to convince me of their greatness is that Ford Motor Company did NOT receive a bailout from our government. When I discovered this about a year ago, I made a promise that I would only purchase a Ford car in the future. They continue to create jobs for Americans, they don’t rely on the government to bail them out when things get hard, and they have an amazing history in our country. What other car company can you say that you learn about in US History class? Henry Ford INVENTED the assembly line!
During the opening press conference (which I’m editing some video from right now, which should be ready to post later this week), they spoke about the new Ford C-Max. This is really Ford’s version of the Mini-Van, but is so much better. I’ve never been a mini-van person. I much prefer my SUV’s, even with the horrible gas milage. The C-Max though, may just have changed my mind. First it looks fantastic. Second, the C-Max Hybrid is targeted to have even better gas milage then the 41 mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid, which is the most fuel-efficient sedan in America today.
“The C-MAX Energi will offer more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of overall driving range using the battery and engine – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle. C-MAX Energi delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than Chevrolet Volt.
“A plug-in hybrid owner may make fewer trips to the pump to refuel because of its all-electric mode capability,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford vice president of Global Product Development. “Conveniently, they’ll be able to recharge their plug-in hybrid at home overnight. And they’ll never have to think about the vehicle’s electric range, because the plug-in hybrid seamlessly shifts to fuel power when needed.”
Now, here’s the part that completely blew me away about the car, also the reason I say it’s the car that Mom Built. During the press conference they spoke about hands free opening. Then they showed a video of a woman with arms full of shopping bags walking up to the back of the car bringing her foot up to the bumper, and the trunk started to open! I tweeted that out right away, cause THAT. WAS. AWESOME! You only need to have the key in your purse or pocket, but you don’t actually have to find them or touch them, just having them in the proximity allows you access to the car! As a mom who often has a kid in one hand and grocery bags in another, this was such an awesome feature. Especially since I have to constantly dig into my purse to try and FIND my keys.
The C-Max also has space for 7 passengers, but is adjustable if you need to move things instead of people. The row behind the driver has 2 captain chairs, and a middle seat that can come in and out. So there can be a full bench, or you can have just the two chairs, with easy access to the 3rd row of seats. Since we only have 2 kids, we would likely not need so many chairs, but the ability to have them if I ever need them is a nice value add.
The C-Max is definitely a great new addition to Ford’s already strong line up of cars, and has excellent fuel efficiency. Throughout this week, I’m going to be discussing the great technology that is inside Ford vehicles which includes SYNC, powered by Microsoft, My FordTouch and their mobile application. Definitely stay tuned, because Ford is setting the standard in what an Eco-Friendly car company can be!
I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.
I think I need one of these like NOW! Oh how amazing that would be!!!!
I want one. I most definitely want one!
The author must have failed history as it is applied to automobiles. It was not Henry Ford who invented the assembly line. It was Ransome Eli Olds, who used the assembly before Henry Ford, although not as effectively.
WERE did it go ? looking to replace MY CARAVAN cant find it on ford wed site