Ford Tries an Upgrade for Its Hybrids

Ford says that its C-Max Hybrid has been stealing sales from Toyota's Prius -- but reviewers say that the C-Max's mileage doesn't meet Ford's claims. Photo credit: Ford

Ford has had tremendous success with its latest lineup of hybrids. The hybrid Ford C-Max and hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ have rocketed up the sales charts -- and put a big dent in Toyota's share of the U.S. market for hybrid cars.

Ford's hybrids get great reviews, but there's a catch: Most folks don't get the 47 miles per gallon that Ford claims. Now, Ford's trying something new: a software upgrade that could help improve its hybrids' fuel economy.

In this video, Fool.com contributor John Rosevear looks at what Ford is hoping to accomplish with this latest move -- and at whether it's a move that might be imitated by others, starting with Toyota.

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The article Ford Tries an Upgrade for Its Hybrids originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor John Rosevear owns shares of Ford. Follow him on Twitter at @jrosevear. The Motley Fool recommends Ford. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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