Lawsuit Over Gas Mileage Claims (C-Max Hybrid)

Ford C-Max

I believe this lawsuit is wrong and Ford should not be sued because of its claims of gas mileage.   A hybrid car has potential mileage and user mileage.  The car is very dependent on the user and how he or she wants to drive.   Weather is also a factor. (Colder days will have and effect on the mileage.)

 When I purchased my car the dealer told me , "It depends on how you drive it." I never forgot what he said, and he was right.    (If you are a led foot, then a hybrid car is not going to help you!)  There is no magic formula for you to get good mileage.   No hybrid car is right for a person that does not use its display and its gauges.  My 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid has performed beyond it estimates at times.   I pulled 63, 64 miles to a gallon once on occasion.  Should Ford get more money from me because the car over performed? You should not try to sue Ford because you don't know how to drive your hybrid car!  My son said, "Dad, how to you get such good mileage". It because I intentionally seek to get it.  I learned how to let of the pedal and let the electric engine take over purposely.   These greedy lawyers and a select few are just looking for opportunities to get money.  If you don't know how to use the gauges, you will not get the mileage you are looking for.  Read the instruction manual!  There are times when a hybrid seems to underperform and times when it overperformed.  Ford alone does not make the claims and the mileage numbers.  There are other factors involved.   If you try to sue,  I hope you loose and waste your time and money, because you really don't know how to handle technology and you just need to slow down, watch the display, or get a sports car and waist your money on gas.   You have 30 days to return a vehicle that you are not pleased with. This is what most dealers and dealership offer.   If you purchase it and you think it is not getting the gas mileage as advertised , please return it.  Do not join a few greedy lawyers in a lawsuit.

Make sure you read my next article,  "How to drive a hybrid".

Hyundai and Kia were also sued over gas mileage claims but according to  Consumer Watchdog.org  They admitted to overstating their fuel economy estimates and compensated the consumers.   Lawyers have seen these kind of suits and are willing to pursue the opportunity to increase their financial gain. 

http://www.forthepeople.com/class-action-lawyers/ford-gas-mileage-lawsuit

Note: Morgan & Morgan is no longer accepting claims regarding Ford C-Max and Fusion Hybrid vehicles.
A class action lawsuit has been filed alleging that the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan and C-Max Hybrid wagon were sold under false and deceptive fuel economy claims. Ford advertised that the Fusion and C-Max hybrid vehicles could achieve a class-leading 47 miles-per-gallon, but recent reports suggest that the vehicles’ fuel economy was overestimated by up to 20%.

Ford C-Max Hybrid vs Toyota Prius

Ford C-Max Hybrid

These are the most fuel efficient of all vehicles. These hybrids are not known for their speed.   You will not see them racing at the traffic light and they are not known for being the fastest in the uphill. These new models are up to the challenge. For the average driver that does not like traffic tickets they are fast enough to get the job done.  These models make up for their petite size with space saving features. They are the most fuel efficient of all hybrid vehicles .  They are the first of the hybrid vehicles. Some of these hybrid vehicles have technological advances that are state of art.  

C-Max

• EPA-Est. MPG City/Hwy
• Hybrid 47 / 47

C-MAX Energi 108 / 92 

 

Prius vs C-Max

The competition is heating up between Ford and Toyota.   Companies must compete for your business.  Why not use a competition and show the advantages .  There is a competition between hybrids.  I hope the consumer comes out on top.   

2013 Toyota Prius

• 51/48 est. mpg 
• Hybrid Synergy Drive^® with EV/ECO/POWER modes

2013 Prius Hybrid

    Hybrid Games, 2013 Prius vs 2013 C-Max Hybrid

These are the most fuel efficient vehicles of 2013

What do you think about 'Plug In Hybrids'?

We used to perceive a vehicle with an electrical charging port an all electric vehicle that had a range of a 100 miles or so.  We imagine running out of electricity some where with no way to charge it. (Not a good picture in your mind.)  Today, plug in hybrids have changed our perception and understanding of a hybrid vehicle's capabilities.  Some are boasting a combined 100 miles per gallon:fully charged.  "Hey, lets charge the battery at home and see what kind of gas mileage we can get"the engineers said.  Then lo and behold, out came this plugin hybrid.

2013 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium

 Ford is the most responsible for the recent increase in interest and sales.  Toyota is the king of the hybrid market, but Ford is rapidly biting into its market share and people are starting to take notice.   Ford Fusion Engeri Hybrid is its flagship plug in hybrid.  The Ford Fusion seems to be its spring board for new hybrid technologies.  The Ford Fusion Engeri Titanium is fully loaded with technological innovations. 
Ford is claiming 100 mpg-e(electric mode) 43 mpg in hybrid mode

2013 Toyota Prius

Toyota claims 95 mpg-e (electric mode) and the Prius Plug-in shifts to hybrid mode,  combined mileage rating of 50 mpg.   These fine vehicles come fully loaded, but they are the most expensive for hybrids in their class.   With gas prices continually rising,  you may want to consider a 'Plug in Hybrid'.  I am considering one for my next vehicle.    You may not be strapped for cash, but it is nice passing by the gas station and filling bi-monthly/monthly instead of weekly.  These are some of the most fuel efficient cars on the market.  Let's get more vehicles like this on the road and drive those gas prices down!

Power Hybrids

 

Power Hybrids and Hybrid Classification

 

Because of the various types of hybrid vehicles, I decided to classify them according to type.  For example,  Crossovers, Mini,  Economy,  Plug Ins, and last and not least,  'Power Hybrids'.  These hybrids would not be considered the best buy in terms of fuel economy.  If you are looking for a fast expensive, luxury hybrid,  this is the class for you.  They would get better gas mileage coupled with their gas engine counterpart.  At least you can do less work by taking less annoying trips to the gas station compared to gas engines. If you had any of these gas engine counterparts, you will be visiting the pump very frequently.    What makes a power hybrid.   1.  The power of its acceleration.  Power Hybrids move from 0-60 in less than 6 seconds.   2. It's torque, measured in lb-ft of both electric motor and gasoline motor. 3. It total horse power or hybrid net power .  

 

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Now introducing and competing ,  The POWER HYBRIDs



 

Panamera S Hybrid

Horsepower		Combustion Engine: 333 hp Electric Motor: 95 hp Total Output: 416 hp
@ rpm		5500 rpm
Torque		Combustion Engine: 325 lb.-ft. Electric Motor: 229 lb.-ft. Combined: 435 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio		10.5 : 1  www.porsche.com

Horsepower

 

Combustion Engine: 333 hp Electric Motor: 95 hp Total Output: 416 hp

@ rpm

 

5500 rpm

Torque

 

Combustion Engine: 325 lb.-ft. Electric Motor: 229 lb.-ft. Combined: 435 lb.-ft.

Compression ratio

 

10.5 : 1 
www.porsche.com

 

 

2013 Lexus LS Hybrid

Horsepower		Combustion Engine :  Total Output 438hp
@ rpm		6400 rpm
Torque		Combustion Engine and Electric engine combined 347 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio		11.8 : 1  www.lexus.com

 
 

Horsepower

 

Combustion Engine :  Total Output 438hp

@ rpm

 

6400 rpm

Torque

 

Combustion Engine and Electric engine combined 347 lb.-ft.

Compression ratio

 

11.8 : 1 

www.lexus.com
 

2013 Infinity M Hybrid

Peak engine 258 lb-ft and peak electric motor 199 lb-ft		–	–	•	–
417 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm  360 hp @ 6,500 rpm (Hybrid System Net Power)  www.infiniti.com

        Hybrid Duel:   Infinity M vs Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

 If you drive one of these you may want to consider this. 

Peak engine 258 lb-ft and peak electric motor 199 lb-ft

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417 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm  360 hp @ 6,500 rpm (Hybrid System Net Power)  www.infiniti.com

 



Radar Detection

Why so many people do not trust hybrid cars.

1.  Hybrid cars are associated with electric cars

Hybrid cars are often looked at as electric cars by some consumers.   It is amazing to see how many consumers dont know anything about hybrid cars at all.   People look at them as slow;not having the range that gasoline engines have.  Hybrids cars have more range than electric and gasoline cars.

 2. Hybrid cars are considered slow and cannot climb hill.

My 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

 Hybrid cars are fast enough by todays standards and most have the equivalent of the modern 4 cylinder engines.  For example,  the Nissan Altima 2011, has a four cylinder 2.5 liter engine.  The 2013 Ford Fusion, has the same 2.5 liter engine in addition to it electric engine.   The Ford Fusion is faster than the Nissan Altima and the electric engine assists in uphill climbs.   My car has no problem keeping up and passing cars on the road. 




3. Hybrid cars are all plug in and need a special outlet to charge.  

Hybrid cars never have to be plugged in to perform.   The Ford Engeri Titanium,  is a plug in hybrid, but you dont have to plug it in if you do not want to.  It is benificial to plug it in and allow the electric motor to save you money but it is not a necessity. 

4. Hybid cars have a litmited battery life.

It is true that batteries may need replacement,  but that is longer than most people keep cars in this day and age.   You may have to replace a battery after a few years, but you would have saved thousands of dollars with gas prices these days.  Nowadays, I never worry about the gas prices and barely visit the gas station. (Ford Fusion 2012).  I boasted a maximum of 63MPH to a co-worker.  My car is makes me conscience of the responsiblility to save gas.   I let off the brakes, the electric engine turns on.  (Remember two is always better than one)  Computers these days are using multiple processors to improve performance.  Two engines will always outlast one, because they share the work. That is just common sense.  

5. Hybrid cars are more expensive.

Hybrid cars are more expensive than most of their counterparts in the same class.   Hybrid cars actually pay for themself in the first year or two in savings.  I am so impressed with them that I decided to study them, write about them and make a competition.   After filling up, I look at how long I can drive on that one tank.  It it is good not to see an empty tank and not have to get gas as often.   Hey! Save your money to buy other things..  Get a hybrid !

2013 Honda Civic Hybrid