The Ford C-Max was first introduced into the European market in 2003 and in 2012 in the United States. Classified as a compact MPV, the Ford C-Max is made up of two generations of models. First-generation C-Max units used the Ford C1 platform, while second-generation models are built on the newer Global C platform. The first generation lineup ran from 2003 to 2010, while the second generation C-Max cars were in place starting 2010 until today.

In 2006, the Ford C-Max underwent a facelift, with the updated version revealed at the Bologna Motor Show within the same year. Before the facelift, this model was known as the Ford Focus C-Max. Its name was changed to simply Ford C-Max to fit in with the Ford’s strategy of producing a line of MPVs that is ‘Max’ branded which began with the Ford S-Max.

When hybrid versions for the Ford Focus C-Max were developed, the aim was to come up with a hybrid utility vehicle with the most affordable price in the market. These were the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi. The C-Max Hybrid was released in September 2012 while the C-Max Energi was introduced the following month in October 2012. US versions of the hybrid are assembled in Michigan while their European brothers are built in Spain.