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Why did Ford discontinue the Ford C-Max?

Ford has decided to discontinue the C-Max, a compact hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle that was introduced in the United States in 2012. The decision to end production of the C-Max was driven by a combination of factors, including declining sales, shifting consumer preferences, and the automaker's broader strategic realignment.


Declining Sales


The C-Max struggled to gain traction in the U.S. market, with sales declining over the years. In 2013, the first full year of sales, Ford sold over 34,000 C-Max models. However, sales steadily dropped, reaching just over 15,000 units in 2017 before Ford decided to discontinue the model.


Shifting Consumer Preferences


The decline in C-Max sales can be attributed in part to shifting consumer preferences in the U.S. market. As SUVs and crossovers gained popularity, the demand for compact hybrid vehicles like the C-Max waned. Consumers were increasingly drawn to the larger size, higher ride height, and perceived utility of SUVs and crossovers, rather than the more compact and fuel-efficient C-Max.


Ford's Strategic Realignment


The discontinuation of the C-Max also aligns with Ford's broader strategic realignment, which has seen the automaker shift its focus towards more profitable segments, such as trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. As part of this strategy, Ford has been phasing out several of its passenger car models, including the C-Max, to concentrate resources on its stronger-selling and more profitable vehicle lines.


Conclusion


The decision to discontinue the Ford C-Max was driven by a combination of declining sales, shifting consumer preferences, and Ford's strategic realignment towards more profitable vehicle segments. While the C-Max offered a fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly option, it ultimately struggled to maintain a strong foothold in the U.S. market, leading Ford to discontinue the model as part of its broader business strategy.

Why was the C-Max discontinued?


Sales for the C-Max peaked back in 2013 and never returned, partly due to the originally overstated 47 mpg combined city/highway driving for the C-Max Hybrid. Ford has since dropped that figure to 40 mpg combined driving and issued checks to disgruntled owners.



What car compares to a Ford C-Max?


Ford C-Max Review and Prices. The Ford C-Max is one of the best cars in its class and is also surprisingly nice to drive for a family-focused people carrier. Before choosing the C-Max it's worth taking a close look at some of the competition out there, not least the Citroen C4 Picasso, VW Touran and Renault Scenic.



Is the Ford C-Max a reliable car?


Is a used Ford C-Max MPV reliable? Yes, according to our most recent reliability survey. The C-Max and Grand C-Max finished in third place in the MPV class, with an excellent overall score of 95%. Only 21% of the 0-to-3-year-old examples surveyed had any faults at all.



What car replaced the Ford C-Max?


Ford has bucked tradition by replacing the outgoing C-MAX with not one, but two all-new models. The five-seater and the seven-seater Grand are designed to sew up the small people carrier market. We've put them to the test to find out if they've got what it takes...



What are the common faults on a Ford C-Max?


Ford C-Max Common Problems and Solutions

  • Passenger Door won't Lock. Problem:
  • Turbo Malfunction (All Turbo Models) Problem:
  • Burnt Out Headlights. Problem:
  • Clutch is Slipping. Problem:
  • Slippery driving. Problem:
  • Car taking too much fuel and lacking power. Problem:
  • Rear brakes. Problem:
  • External boot release button. Problem:



How long do Ford C-Max batteries last?


3 to 5 years
How often should you replace your 2017 Ford C-Max battery? Every 3 to 5 years, but you should have your battery tested regularly for extreme drops in voltage to make sure it's operating at a steady level. Vehicle batteries ordinarily haul 12 to 13 volts unless you have a high-performance battery.



What is comparable to a Ford C-Max?


Before choosing the C-Max it's worth taking a close look at some of the competition out there, not least the Citroen C4 Picasso, VW Touran and Renault Scenic.



Is the Ford C-Max coming back?


It's been a fun ride over the past years, and we couldn't be prouder of our spirited, up-for-anything compact SUV. Even though we will no longer be producing the C-MAX, we think we've got a few vehicles in our lineup to fill your criteria for versatility and driving enjoyment to seek out new adventures.



What does C-Max stand for?


Peak Concentration. A pharmacokinetic measure used to determine drug dosing. Cmax is the highest concentration of a drug in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or target organ after a dose is given.



Why was the Ford B-Max discontinued?


In September 2017, production of B-Max ended, due to dwindling demand for the model, as well as a general decline in sales of mini MPVs.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.