In total, 900 dealers are either certified or enrolled for certification, which nearly triples Ford's initial plans for about 350 certified dealers by early 2013.
DEARBORN, MI- The amount of Ford dealers certified to sell its lineup of plug-in electrified vehicles, including the new C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid, has tripled to more than 200, officials announced Friday.
The Dearborn-based automaker said the growth comes as the number of new vehicle shoppers considering plug-in hybrids has grown to 25 percent.
In total, 900 dealers are either certified or enrolled for certification, which nearly triples Ford’s initial plans for about 350 certified dealers by early 2013.
“Ford’s strategy to deliver the power of choice for leading fuel economy across our lineup seems very well timed as our customers and dealers are showing significant interest in vehicles such as the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid,” said C.J. O’Donnell, Ford Motor Co. electrified vehicle marketing manager, in a statement.
Ford’s current portfolio of electrified vehicles includes the C-Max Hybrid and Energy and Focus Electric. By early 2013, Ford expects to add the new Fusion Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid.
The first 67 certified dealers were in California, New York and New Jersey and have been selling the Focus Electric since spring. Ford expects dealers nationwide
According to a Ford spokesman, 11 Michigan dealers are currently certified and an additional 33 are enrolled for certification by early next year.
By early 2013, Focus Electric and C-Max Energi will be joined by Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid – expected to be the world’s most fuel-efficient sedan by achieving more than 100 MPGe in electric mode – and available at certified dealers nationwide.
Production of the C-Max Energi began in October 2012 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, which Ford says is the first plant capable of building a full array of vehicles including gas-powered, electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, all on the same production line.
Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland