The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker announced the additions to its product lineup at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, part of a reduced presence by American automakers on hand for the event.

The 2010 C-Max, a 5-seat "people carrier" or multi-activity vehicle introduced by Ford's European division in 2003, is redesigned and based on Ford's new global C-car platform for small cars _ a key role in Ford's realignment of its global operations.

Ford also unveiled a 7-passenger version, the Grand C-Max. It's slightly longer and higher and is similar to a small minivan, replete with sliding rear doors.

Both versions of the vehicle will be available in Europe in 2010, with the option of Ford's 1.6-litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which is designed to offer more power while consuming less fuel. Prices were not disclosed.

Ford plans to bring the 7-passenger C-Max to North America in 2011, to expand to its small car lineup, which primarily consists of the Focus. The C-Max will be the second small car Ford is importing from Europe; the Fiesta is expected in U.S. showrooms next summer.

The 7-passenger Grand C-Max was designed to offer versatility with its third row and folding seats without the stigma often attached to minivans in the U.S., according to Derrick Kuzak, Ford's vice president for global product development.

"It's emotive, it's not a refrigerator on wheels," he said. "We're trying to change the minds to make vehicles aspirational and different."

The C-Max and Grand C-Max will feature some of Ford's newest technology features such as parallel parking assistance and blind spot detection.

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Johnson reported from Detroit.

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