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Ford Builds 2 Millionth Fuel-Efficient EcoBoost Engine as Consumer Demand Grows in Markets Worldwide


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MELBOURNE - Sept 17, 2013: Ford Motor Company today celebrated a manufacturing milestone for its fuel-saving EcoBoost engines: Two million have been produced globally since Ford launched EcoBoost in 2009.

Growing customer demand for EcoBoost-powered vehicles in Ford’s major markets worldwide is driving engine production, with output now averaging more than 100,000 engines per month, up from 65,000 in 2012.

“Ford EcoBoost delivers great performance with lower fuel bills, a recipe which is proving incredibly popular with consumers around the world,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Powertrain Engineering, Ford. “EcoBoost engines are attracting new customers to the Ford brand every day, and our plants are working hard to keep up with demand.”

A Ford Escape, The Ford Kuga’s US twin, was fitted with the two millionth production EcoBoost unit and rolled off the line at Ford’s Louisville, Ky., U.S., assembly line.

EcoBoost technology combines smaller overall size with turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing to bring customers outstanding performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver up to 15 per cent better fuel economy than larger displacement petrol engines.

Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family now includes the 1.0-litre three-cylinder; the 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines; and the powerful and efficient 3.5-litre V6. EcoBoost will be offered on 70 per cent of the company’s nameplates in Australia by the end of 2017.

Growth in Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific, sales of EcoBoost vehicles through August are up 202 percent year-over-year in 2013, including a 189-percent rise in China. Ford plans to offer the fuel-efficient engine in 20 vehicles in the region by mid-decade, a five-fold increase from 2012.

In Australia, 63 per cent of Ford Kuga buyers are choosing the1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and EcoBoost engines are already offered in Falcon, Mondeo, Ford Kuga, Focus ST, Fiesta ST and will soon be joined by the International Engine of the Year for 2013, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost in Fiesta and EcoSport.

European expansion
In Europe, exceptional demand for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine – International Engine of the Year 2012 and 2013 – is fuelling a doubling of production capacity at the Cologne, Germany, engine plant to more than 1,000 engines a day.

Already available on five European nameplates, the 1.0-litre engine will be fitted to 11 models by 2014. The three-cylinder unit is being chosen by a growing share of customers during 2013, accounting for 43 per cent of B-MAX sales, 32 per cent for Focus, 26 per cent for Fiesta; and 24 per cent for C-MAX and Grand C-MAX sales.

EcoBoost powertrains also are driving high demand for the Fiesta ST (1.6-litre EcoBoost) and Focus ST (2.0-litre EcoBoost), while 18 per cent of customers for the Ford Kuga are selecting the 1.6-litre EcoBoost option in a segment which traditionally favours diesel engines. Nearly 40 per cent more European customers are familiar with EcoBoost technology today compared to 2011, internal Ford data shows.

The Cologne plant also has begun production of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost for the North American market. The new 2014 Ford Fiesta – on sale later in 2013 – will be the first vehicle available in the United States with the 1.0-litre engine.

Popularity, demand rising in North America
In North America, internal Ford data shows that the EcoBoost engine is now the most recognised fuel-efficient engine among consumers. In addition, consumers are nearly 50 per cent more likely to consider purchasing a Ford vehicle if they are aware of EcoBoost than those who are not familiar with the engine.

The popularity of EcoBoost in North America is reflected in high take rates on key models:

  • 90 per cent of Ford Escape models are equipped with EcoBoost engines
  • 50 per cent of Fusion customers select one of three available EcoBoost models
  • 42 per cent of F-150 trucks are purchased with the 3.5-litre EcoBoost

    This year, EcoBoost will be available on more than 90 per cent of North American nameplates, rising to 95 per cent by 2015.

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