Efficient Focus, Fiesta and New C-MAX Fuel Ford's Sales Spike

BEVERLY, MASS. (10/10/2012)(readMedia)-- With gas prices in 2012 on their way to being the most expensive ever, Ford has seen its efforts to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles pay dividends. The automaker's gas-sipping 2013 Ford Focus, Fiesta and all-new C-MAX Hybrid combined for its best U.S. small-car September sales in a decade, moving 24,628 units.

The sales charge was led by the Focus and Fiesta, selling 23,659 units between the two, with the Focus besting its September 2011 sales numbers by 91 percent and year-to-date totals by 36 percent. The 2013 Focus and 2013 Fiesta are each capable of earning 40 mpg on the highway when equipped with an optional Super Fuel Economy package, while the C-MAX Hybrid returns 47 mpg in both highway and city driving.

"Gas prices remain high, and as a result, more and more drivers are looking to Ford's fuel-efficient rides," said Steve Leary, dealer principal of Thomas Ford, a Beverly, MA Ford dealership. "Ford's lineup offers budget-minded drivers a chance to save at the gas pump while still providing the versatility and the amenities that are necessary to keep owners satisfied."

Packing outsize capabilities into a compact, fuel-efficient form is the forte of the new Ford C-MAX, which first went on sale last month. The C-MAX Hybrid was released nationwide, while its plug-in hybrid variant, dubbed the C-MAX Energi, went on sale in 19 markets in preparation for widespread sales in early 2013. Featuring an advanced hybrid drivetrain, impressive cargo-carrying capabilities and family-friendly features, the C-MAX offers a unique mix of attributes in the hybrid segment.

Both the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi feature a 2.0-liter conventional engine paired with a powerful electric motor that draws energy from a lithium-ion battery pack for a combined 188 horsepower. The C-MAX Energi can operate on battery power alone at speeds up to 85 mph and be fully charged in about three hours using a 240-volt charging station, or in seven hours using a standard 120-volt outlet. Energi drivers can select whether to drive in all-electric mode, gas-only mode or a combination of the two to make the most of the electric power on board.

Inside, there's more than 52-cubic-feet of cargo space available behind the front seats, and more than 24 cubic-feet of space behind the second row. Convenient available features include Ford's SYNC with MyFord Touch voice-activated infotainment system, as well as a park assist system, which can parallel park the C-MAX with little input from the driver. Another handy option is Ford's foot-activated liftgate, which makes loading and unloading cargo much easier.

"Ford has beaten the Prius at its own game," noted Leary. "With the C-MAX, you get a ton of cargo space, convenient features and top-notch fuel economy. What you don't get is a constant reminder that you're in a hybrid."

About Thomas Ford:

Thomas Ford, located in Beverly, has been a fixture in the North Shore of Massachusetts for over 40 years. They base their success on their dedicated sales and Ford service departments' commitment to customer satisfaction. It's never been a better time to be a Ford owner, and Thomas Ford encourages you to stop by their dealership to discover why. For more information, call them at 978-922-0059, visit their web site at www.thomasford.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThomasFordAuto or stop by their dealership at 211 Rantoul Street in Beverly, Massachusetts.