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Ford minivan will have new hands-free liftgate

The minivan's liftgate opens when someone holding the key fob passes his or her foot under the back of the van.
2012 C-Max minivan

 DETROIT (AP) - Ford's C-Max minivan will have an exclusive feature when it goes on sale in the U.S. next year: a hands-free liftgate.

The minivan's liftgate opens when someone holding the key fob passes his or her foot under the back of the van. Ford says the C-Max will be the first vehicle to have this technology when it goes on sale in the U.S. next fall.

The C-Max marks a return to the minivan market for Ford, which stopped selling the family haulers in 2006. It seats seven, which makes it unique in the small minivan market. Its closest rival in size, the Mazda5, seats six.

The C-Max is already on sale in Europe. Ford plans to show the U.S.-bound version of the C-Max at next month's Detroit auto show.

(Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This story may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.)

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