Ford to triple EcoBoost vehicle production capacity in 2012

Now that record sales of 127,883 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles in 2011 are on the books, Ford aims to more than triple production capacity of cars, utilities and trucks using this fuel-efficient technology in 2012.

Ford will expand its portfolio of fuel-efficient offerings this year
with the fuel-saving 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine in the high-volume Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion sedan nameplates, five new electrified vehicles, as well as with the introduction of auto start stop technology paired with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

“EcoBoost expansion and availability in high-volume nameplates such as the all-new Ford Escape and Fusion will take this affordable, fuel-saving technology to the heart of the market,” said Ford Group Vice-President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering Sue Cischke. “Ford is committed to delivering class-leading fuel economy for our customers, which benefits the environment and helps the US move toward greater energy independence.”

The full-size Taurus sedan becomes the first Ford vehicle to offer customers a choice between two EcoBoost engines. It will offer a 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder making an estimated 237 horsepower and giving customers up to an anticipated class-leading 31 mpg, while the iconic Taurus SHO sport sedan features a 365 horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 delivering 25 mpg highway.

The green and mean Focus ST arrives this year as a high-performance – yet fuel-efficient – sport compact EcoBoost application.

Additionally, Ford offers an EcoBoost-powered Police Interceptor for 2012. It is the first-ever turbocharged law-enforcement vehicle offering.

Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers underscores the company’s commitment to continually improve fuel economy.

By the end of 2012, nine Ford models will deliver or are anticipated to deliver an EPA-certified 40 mpg highway or higher, with still more fuel-efficient vehicles on the way.

Of the 11 market segments in which Ford competes, the company leads in fuel economy customer satisfaction in six, according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, a third-party measure of buyer attitudes concerning recent vehicle purchases.

These findings show Ford customers are pleased with their fuel economy, and that their new Ford vehicle delivers the EPA-rated estimates in regular use.

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