Eleven years after Toyota first brought the first Prius to the United States as a hybrid-only vehicle, an American automaker has finally offered a direct reply, and based on the $25,995 base price Ford announced today for the 2013 Ford C-Max, it intends to take the fight right to Toyota.
To be built in Ford's Wayne, Mich., plant off the same assembly line as the Ford Focus, the C-Max smacks into the exact marketing spot Toyota targeted with the Prius V, whose starting price Ford was quick to note is $500 higher. On paper, the C-Max has a few advantages, including slightly more cargo space; it also shares with the Prius V the same lack of a third row that's offered to customers overseas.
And missing from Ford bragging this morning was any mention of the C-Max's actual fuel efficiency numbers, outside of a light taunt from an executive that it will cost less at the pump. The Prius V gets a combined 42 mpg, and while Ford has shown it can out-hybrid Toyota in the past, it's never sold them at volumes anywhere near what Toyota does. We'll have more when the C-Max arrives later this fall.
Other news this morning:
Alesi says he feels 'unsafe' in slow Indy Car: There aren't enough cars as it stands for capable drivers in this year's Indianapolis 500, but the continuing struggles of Lotus to even match the slowest Honda and Chevy competitors creates a safety hazard. Indy's organizers are so committed to the 33-car grid that I can imagine them pushing Alesi and Simone de Silvestro onto the starting grid if need be -- but if that's the case, and Lotus is still down 10 mph from the rest of the field next weekend, both drivers would unfortunately be wise to borrow a move from NASCAR and pull into the pits after the first green flag falls. (AP)
Chevrolet SS sedan expected this week: From the Department of Ill-Kept Secrets, GM should confirm the production of the Chevrolet SS rear-wheel-drive sedan in Australia for the U.S. of A. later this week. Wait, isn't it Friday already in Sydney? (News.com.au)
BMW CEO: "We need cool cars": The view from the top of the auto industry, also known as BMW's annual shareholder meeting. (BMW)
Subaru expands Indiana plant for Outback, Legacy boost: Subaru may be the least dramatic auto company in the world. (AutoNews)
