The C1 (or Volvo P1) is Ford's global compact car automobile platform. It replaces Ford's C170 platform and Mazda's BJ platform. The C1 platform debuted with the European Ford Focus C-Max MPV in early 2004.

The C platform was designed in Cologne, Germany as the "C Technologies Program". 30 engineers each from Mazda, Ford, and Volvo worked to combine the small-car engineering from all three automakers.

The platform is designed for either front- or all wheel drive. It is amazingly adaptable, though, and will be stretched for use in the next-generation Volvo C70 convertible and Volvo XC50 SUV. It was even modified for rear wheel drive to create the Ford D2C platform for the next Ford Mustang. Volvo's plans call for all of their cars to be C1 or D3-based in the coming years.

Among all of the cars, the floorpan is different, but the front- and rear-subframes , suspension, steering, braking, safety, and electrical components are shared.

Vehicles currently using this platform include the following:

• 2004 Mazda Mazda3
• 2005 Ford Focus (European - American Focuses will continue on the Ford C170 platform)
• 2005 Volvo S40 sedan
• 2005 Volvo V50 station wagon

Future uses of this platform include:

• Land Rover Freelander SUV
• Mazda Mazda5
• Volvo XC50 SUV
• Volvo XC60 SUV
• Volvo C70 coupe/convertible
• Next-generation Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute

See also

External links

• C Technologies Program