Ford Announces Updates For Their Hybrid Lineup

Ford announced yesterday that it is introducing "calibration updates" for the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid, 2013 Fusion Hybrid, and 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The updates, according to the blue oval, are "designed to improve on-road fuel economy."

"We are committed to continuously improving the fuel economy of our vehicles. We believe these actions will provide our customers enhanced on-road fuel economy satisfaction," said Raj Nair, Ford's vice president of global product development.

The updates should help address some of the complaints that have been lodged with Ford that concern many owners not seeing the EPA estimated fuel economy of 47 City/47 Highway/47 Combined (45 City/45 Highway/45 Combined for the MKZ Hybrid). As a result, the EPA has also launched their own investigation into whether or not Ford is guilty of inflating their fuel economy estimates. At this time, the EPA is still working on their investigation.

What does this update entail? According to Ford, the update will change the following:

• Increasing the maximum speed you drive on pure electric power from 62 MPH to 85 MPH
• Optimizing the use of active grille shutters and the climate control system
• Shortening the engine warm-up time by 50 percent
• Reducing electric fan speed to minimize the fan's energy consumption

"Just as individual mileage can vary based on driving styles and environmental conditions, we expect fuel economy improvements will differ from customer to customer depending on individual driving habits. Customers should see the most improvement at highway speeds, during air conditioner use and operation in colder climates," said Nair.

Owners will be able to get the update for free at dealers starting in August. As for the 2014 C-Max Hybrid, Fusion Hybrid, and MKZ Hybrid, those will get the update on the production line.