Well, there goes that idea. Ford Motor Company has just announced they will not be bringing the seven-passenger C-Max to the U.S. This leaves the Mazda5 as the only MPV available for American buyers. However, Ford still plans to sell the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in EV, both of which will be built alongside the Focus and Focus EV at the automaker's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

Sadly, both of these do not have the minivan-style sliding doors the gasoline-powered C-Max has, but rather standard hinged doors along with a rear hatchback. The C-Max is currently on sale in Europe, where it's known as the Grand C-Max. Their standard size C-Max provides the basis for the upcoming Hybrid and plug-in EV models. In other words, both of these will only seat five-passengers. Production will begin next year on both models, which, according to Ford's official press release, provide a better business case than launching the seven-passenger gas-powered model to North American buyers.

Are we surprised? Yes, and also quite disappointed. The seven-passenger C-Max looked and sounded very promising and could have helped to revive the MPV market.