Ford builds 2-millionth EcoBoost engine, with take rates growing globally; expected to exceed Ford’s global diesel production
18 September 2013
Ford Motor Company reported that it has built its two-millionth EcoBoost engine since the launch of the line in 2009. With customer demand exceeding its initial projections, Ford now expects EcoBoost production to exceed its global diesel engine production. More than 100,000 EcoBoost engines are now produced every month, with a target of 1.2 million for 2013, up more than 60% from 2012.
EcoBoost technology combines smaller overall size with turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing to deliver significantly improved performance and fuel economy. Ford says its EcoBoost engines deliver up to 20% better fuel economy than larger-displacement gasoline engines.
Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family now includes the 1.0-liter three-cylinder; 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines; and the 3.5-liter V6. EcoBoost technology is available in every region Ford serves worldwide, and will be offered on approximately 80% of the company’s global nameplates by the end of this year. Ford attributes the surging sales to the better fuel efficiency and resulting lower fuel bills of the optional EcoBoost engines.
Ford doubled Cologne, Germany, production of 1.0-liter EcoBoost to 1,000 engines per day, and is investing $200 million in its Cleveland, Ohio plant to build the 2.0-liter EcoBoost in the US.
Global Ford EcoBoost engine production: total since launch in 2009 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plant | Engine | Production | ||||
Cologne/Craiova | 1.0-liter | 284,000 | ||||
Bridgend/Craiova | 1.5-liter/1.6-liter | 549,000 | ||||
Valencia | 2.0-liter | 532,000 | ||||
Cleveland | 3.5-liter | 635,000 | ||||
Total | 2,000,000 |
Global take rates. In North America, internal Ford data shows that the EcoBoost engine is now the most recognized fuel-efficient engine among consumers. The popularity of EcoBoost in North America is reflected in high take rates on key models:
90% of Ford Escape models are equipped with 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines;
50% of Fusion customers select one of three available EcoBoost models: 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter variants; and
42% of F-150 trucks are purchased with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost
This year, EcoBoost will be available on more than 90% of North American nameplates, rising to 95% by 2015.
Already available on five European nameplates, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will be fitted to 11 models there by 2014. The three-cylinder unit is being chosen by a growing share of customers this year, accounting for 43% of B-MAX sales, 32% of Focus sales, 26% of Fiesta sales; and 24% of C-MAX and Grand C-MAX sales.
EcoBoost powertrains also are driving high demand for the Fiesta ST, with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost, and Focus ST, with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, while 18% of Kuga customers are choosing the 1.6-liter EcoBoost option in a segment that traditionally favors diesel engines. Nearly 40% 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-liter EcoBoost for the North American market. The new 2014 Ford Fiesta—which goes on sale later this year—will be the first vehicle available in the United States with the 1.0-liter engine; Ford expects it to be certified as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car available in the United States.
In Asia Pacific, sales of EcoBoost vehicles through August are up 202% year-over-year in 2013, including a 189% 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.
Ninety-five percent of Kuga buyers in Asia Pacific are choosing the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, while 90% of Edge owners and 62% of Mondeo buyers are opting for the efficient engines.
Ford will soon begin production of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost at the $500-million Changan Ford engine plant in Chongqing, China, which opened in June.
Do something good and keep doing it.
Now, what about that 48V mild hybrid system from Johnston Controls that gives a 15% improvement (not 1%) ?
Posted by: mahonj | 18 September 2013 at 03:04 AM
MajonJ, I saw that and was, well, surprised but willing to be convinced. How does enhanced electrification of non drive systems produce 15% fuel economy gain?
Posted by: Dollared | 18 September 2013 at 09:18 AM
@Dollard,
You get stop/start idling management, and the ability to offload various devices form the ICE engine, and fuel them with braking energy (?). At 48V, there is less resistive loss in the system, and you can possibly do more.
I suppose you/e should read the Johnson Controls article to find out.
Posted by: mahonj | 19 September 2013 at 03:00 AM
Try Fitch Fuel Catalyst 15% improvement inmileage also NOX 70% lower.
Posted by: Dave Murphy | 01 October 2013 at 11:03 AM