Plug-In Hybrid Multi-Activity Vehicle Provides High Efficiency and Versatility

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012 — (PRNewswire) —  The Ford C-MAX Energi has been named Green Car Journal's 2012 Green Car Vision Award™ winner at The Washington Auto Show. The highly-efficient plug-in model, which is expected to come to market in late 2012, is built on the same global C-car platform as the Ford Focus and other Ford models to come.

"Designing new cars from the ground-up to accept both internal combustion and alternative powerplants is an extremely important strategy," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "Engineering in everything from the same ride-and-handling characteristics, crashworthiness performance, and mounting points for diverse powerplants enables straightforward use of a common platform for a wide range of uses, buyers, and worldwide markets at manageable cost."

Ford's first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the C-MAX Energi uses the automaker's powersplit hybrid architecture and advanced lithium-ion batteries to deliver all-electric driving plus the versatility of hybrid or internal combustion power. It offers high efficiency and a driving range greater than 500 miles.

To be considered for the Green Car Vision Award™, vehicles must be on their way toward commercialization but not yet on sale, in small volume production with more than one functional prototype in existence, or operating as part of a demonstration fleet.

About WANADA and The Washington Auto Show

The 2012 staging of the 70th Washington Auto Show in Washington, DC will offer a showcase of more than 700 vehicles from over 42 domestic and import manufacturers and a special 65,000-square foot exhibit, "The Advanced Technology SuperHighway." The 2012 Washington Auto Show: "Safety and Sustainability in Motion" opens to the public from Jan. 27-Feb. 5, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA). Founded in 1917, WANADA represents more than 225 franchised new vehicle dealers and 75 kindred-line members operating in and around the Capital Beltway, representing the metro Washington, DC auto market.

About Green Car Journal

Today, the award-winning Green Car Journal is recognized as the premier source for information on fuel efficiency, low emissions, alternative fuels, and advanced technology vehicles. A downloadable sample issue, back issue availability, and subscription information can be found at GCJUSA.com.

CONTACT:  Barbara Pomerance, 800-697-7574

SOURCE The Washington Auto Show