Ford, which had already lowered the fuel-economy ratings of the C-Max Hybrid, has now dropped fuel-economy ratings for six additional models including the Lincoln MKZ.
The re-rated models include four versions of the 2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 models of the C-Max Hybrid, C-Max Energi, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, DailyTech.com reports. Ford is offering a one-time cash payment to the approximately 200,000 customers who leased or purchased the affected models. The payments range from $300 to $1050, depending on the model.
The greatest mileage change is for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, whose combined fuel economy number fell by 7 mpg. Ford first revised the MKZ numbers when drivers and car publications reported that their mileage came nowhere close to the EPA sticker’s claim of 47/47/47 mpg (city/highway/combined). The Fusion Hybrid’s number dropped by 5 mpg. The C-Max Hybrid, which was re-rated in August 2013, had a further reduction of 3 mpg across the board (city, highway, and combined), according to DailyTech.
Ford blames its error on the Total Road Load Horsepower (TRLHP) factor used to calculate fuel economy for new vehicles, according to DailyTech. The company said an error related to how it conducts wind tunnel tests contributed to the fuel economy discrepancies.
Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO, said, “Ford is absolutely committed to delivering top fuel economy and accurate information.” He said Ford is improving testing processes to prevent this from happening again, DailyTech reports. He apologized to customers and announced the goodwill payments. Raj Nair, vice president of Global Product Development said, “When we see an issue, we address it… That is why we notified EPA and lowered the fuel economy ratings for these vehicles.”
