It wasn’t that long ago that Ford was going through a barrage of criticism from Consumer Reports and other sources about fuel economy ratings for its C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid. Here are some changes Ford has made to its C-Max, which has been the lightning rod of criticism. The EPA is also part of adopting changes to the policy.
- Reducing the fuel economy rating on the C-Max by about 10% to better reflect driver experience.
- Offering as much as $550 as a “goodwill payment” to cover fuel costs beyond its original fuel economy rating for those who purchased the car.
- Ford is offering $325 for those who leased the car.
- As for the US Environmental Protection Agency (which was criticized for the mileage ratings along with Ford), the agency is expected to announce revisions to its testing and labeling procedures.
- Ford is hoping its new policy will reduce the number of lawsuits Ford has been going through over the issues.
- Software changes to the C-Max that will do things such as letting the hybrid continue operating in electric-only mode at higher speeds.
