The C1 platform debuted with the European Ford Focus C-Max compact MPV in early 2004.

First called the C1 platform, it was designed in Ford's European development center in Cologne, Germany, as the "C Technologies Program".

The Ford Focus, Volvo S40 and V50, and Mazda3 (BK and BL) share about 60% of their parts and components.

[1] The platform has been stretched creating the EUCD for use in future Volvo vehicles.

[citation needed] Among all of the cars, the floorpan is different, but the front and rear subframes, suspension, steering, braking, safety, and some[2] electrical components are shared.