The first Ford hybrid models for Europe will be built at the Ford Valencia plant in Spain. Two versions of these advanced technology derivatives of the all-new five-seat Ford C-MAX compact multi-activity model will be available – a full hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV), and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The vehicles will be available in Europe in 2013.

Valencia is the European single source for all versions of the all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, which launch later this year, with a range of highly efficient new Ford EcoBoost^TM gasoline and Duratorq TDCi diesel engines. The Valencia plant also will produce the seven-seat version of the C-MAX for export to North America beginning in late 2011. Click here to read Ford C-MAX: Coming to America.

“The hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid electric derivatives of the all-new Ford C-MAX are great news for the Valencia plant and region, for Spain, and for Ford customers across Europe. These new advanced-technology models are key to Ford’s commitment to delivering a portfolio of alternative powertrain vehicles globally and to European customers in the next few years,” said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, and Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs.

Ford’s Global Electric vehicles plan

Ford’s electrification strategy involves three types of electrified vehicles – hybrid-electric, all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric – to offer consumers significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO₂ emissions without compromising the driving experience.

Ford’s electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to market by 2012, including:

• Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2011
• Ford Focus Electric passenger car in 2012
• Two next-generation hybrid-electric vehicles in 2013
• Plug-in hybrid in 2013

The electrification strategy builds on the Ford vision of bringing affordable fuel-efficient technology to millions. This strategy will deliver electrified vehicles to a variety of markets and build on the company’s overall vision of offering the widest possible range of technology solutions – instead of a single vehicle or technology – to improve fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions for customers around the world.