Ford's hybrid challenge gains momentum

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http://www.freep.com/article/20121201/BUSINESS01/312010023/Ford-s-hybrid-challenge-gains-momentum?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

 

Ford's targeted efforts to challenge Toyota in the hybrid market are gaining momentum as the Dearborn-based automaker said Friday it expects to hit a record 11% share of the electrified vehicle market when November sales are released Monday.

 

Toyota is the king of hybrid sales -- the Prius alone accounts for more than half the market.

 

But Ford has been increasing the number of vehicles with hybrid and plug-in alternatives, including the new Fusion. And Ford recently introduced its first dedicated hybrid nameplate: the C-Max, which is available only as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

 

Ford also has targeted comparisons with Toyota products in its advertising in an effort to have its products associated with the big dog in the fuel-efficiency fight.

 

Ford said Friday that November will be its best hybrid sales month ever, with more than 6,000 sold, surpassing the previous record of 5,353 sold in July 2009.

 

The 11% share of the electrified market is a fivefold increase this year -- largely on the roughly 4,400 C-Max and C-Max Energi hybrids sold this month.