C-max sales decline in UK

[djc]

I was wondering if the decline in C-max sales in the US was because of the hybrid drive-train.  Or perhaps early EPA efficiency woes.

 

But it seems C-max sales in the UK have seen a similar decline, and over a longer range of years - - down every years, and off nearly 50% from the 2011 sales high:

 

http://carsalesbase.com/european-car-sales-data/ford/ford-cmax/

 

So UK C-max sales have slid every year since before the US version was introduced.  As far as I know, there is no hybrid version of the Euro C-max, so it is not a drop in demand for hybrids that has caused UK C-max sales to slump.    And Ford as a brand is doing well in the UK, with sales rising as the overall vehicle market there has declined.  And as far as I know C-max and other car sales are not being lost to pickups or SUVs in the UK, whereas this has been a factor in the US.

 

So it seems there is something about the car configuration or style or perceived value or competition that has caused a sales drop over the last 6 to 7 years.

[ptjones]

I just heard that all sedan sales are down across the board because consumers are buying SUV's instead with low gas prices and I'm sure FE is also getting better too.

 

Paul 

[djc]

With continued decline of C-max sales in Europe, Ford is apparently considering ending C-max production there.  I believe there was no hybrid version of the European C-max, so the poor sales indicates a relative lack of buyers for other aspects of the car, which Ford calls an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle).

 

http://europe.autonews.com/article/20180727/ANE/180729783/ford-seeks-european-profitability-with-shift-to-suvs-vans

 

European sales of Ford's SUVs and commercial vehicles remain good and profitable.

[jmcgliss]

What is the pattern of advertising and promotion over the same period?  Or the pattern of incentives.

 

Not sure you can talk about demand and unit sales without considering those variables.