Ford Says It Expects EPA To Stand Behind C-Max Hybrid Estimates

Ford Motor Co. officials on Friday acknowledged the real-world fuel-efficiency in its C-Max Hybrid is dependent on driving style and other outside factors, and said it does not expect the Environmental Protection Agency to revise the car's fuel efficiency numbers.

"We followed the EPA test guidelines," said Ford President of the Americas Joe Hinrichs, when asked if the EPA could adjust downward the C-Max Hybrid's 47 miles per gallon rating.

The EPA last week said it would investigate Ford's fuel efficiency claims after Consumer Reports found the C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid got significantly worse fuel efficiency than the EPA window sticker suggests.

Consumer Reports said that in testing, the car's fuel efficiency fell 10 miles per gallon short: It got 37 mpg overall, with 35 mpg for city driving and 38 mpg highway. The Fusion Hybrid, certified for the same 47 mpg, got 39 mpg in testing overall, with 35 mpg city and 41 mpg highway.


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800over - 12/14/2012 4:53:58 PM

+2 Boost

So basically the car doesn't get the EPA estimates in real world driving because the EPA test doesn't test real world driving.

vdiv - 12/16/2012 10:42:52 AM

+1 Boost

At the end of the day the question for Ford isn't whether the EPA will stand by them. It is whether customers will stand by them and buy their vehicles.