Ford's Small-Car Sales Skyrocket for Best November in More than a Decade

HYANNIS, Mass., Dec. 10, 2012 — Fuel economy is becoming ever more important to auto buyers, and Ford's small-car sales are reflecting that trend, with consumers downsizing for better gas mileage. The automaker saw its best November small-car sales in 12 years last month, up 76 percent compared to November 2011. Sales of the recently released 2013 C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi helped propel the brand's tally during the month.

C-MAX models moved 4,848 units in November, a 52-percent increase compared to October, when the plug-in hybrid C-MAX Energi first joined the C-MAX Hybrid on dealer lots. Since then, Ford's first-ever hybrid-only nameplate has become the lineup's fastest-turning offering, and it has maintained a conquest rate of 64 percent, with more new customers coming from Toyota than any other brand.

"The two C-MAX models are catching on so quickly because buyers not only get the impressive fuel efficiency, but also plenty of available 'real car' features, like heated seats, an infotainment system and ambient lighting," said Mark Caliri, general manager of Hyannis, MA Ford dealership Balise Ford of Cape Cod. "Ford took its time to make sure that it got everything right with its first pure hybrid line, and as a result, the Toyota Prius has a legitimate challenger for the first time."

November marked Ford's best month of hybrid sales ever, with more than 6,000 gas-electric models finding new homes. Together with the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the C-MAX has helped the automaker capture 11 percent of the electrified vehicle market, with its share increasing more than fivefold in 2012 alone. Ford hopes to boost hybrid sales even more when the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, another new plug-in hybrid model, is released early next year.

Featuring a high-voltage battery, an electric motor and a gas engine, the Fusion Energi will offer electric-only driving for short commutes before switching over to a gas-electric hybrid mode. Drivers will be able to charge the battery overnight using a conventional 120-volt outlet, or in less time with a special 240-volt outlet. By also using other fuel-saving technologies like regenerative braking, Ford estimates that the Fusion Energi will return more than 100 MPGe.

Inside, the Fusion Energi is packed with the same modern touches as the gas-only Fusion, including the available SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system, which incorporates a touchscreen and voice commands to control music, climate control, hands-free phone calls and navigation. For the Energi, a special MyFord Mobile app will bring additional functionality, including the ability to remotely monitor the battery charge, preheat or precool the vehicle, locate charging stations and schedule charging during cheaper off-peak hours.

"Aside from the charging port, it's very difficult to tell that the Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid, because it maintains the bold sedan styling of the gas-only Fusion," added Caliri. "Buyers get to take advantage of the advanced technology for incredible efficiency, but they can also still make a definitive statement on the road with an aggressive exterior design."

About Balise Ford of Cape Cod:
Balise Ford of Cape Cod is dedicated to offering a top-notch new and used Ford sales experience to Massachusetts motorists on the Cape and South Shore. Offering the entire lineup of new Ford vehicles, including sedans like the Focus, Fusion and Taurus, as well as the popular F-150 pickup truck, Balise Ford strives to ensure that every customer is matched with their ideal model. Visit their showroom at 90 High School Rd. Extension in Hyannis, Mass., call them at 508-815-4007 or browse their inventory online at www.balisefordcapecod.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseFordCapeCod.