Ford sees Auto Sales Rev up with EcoBoost Car Engines

Car engines boosting engine sales are not new. Mention a HEMI among enthusiasts and you’ll see checkbooks.
Well, many analysts believe the EcoBoost engine as one of the major reasons for the resurgence of Ford Motor Co. Demand for the engine has exploded and has helped to increase vehicle sales, attract new customers, and raise the average transaction prices by thousands of dollars. In fact, the number of buyers who opted for the EcoBoost engine option exceeded even Ford’s expectations.

The first 3.5 liter, V-6 EcoBoost engine appeared in the summer of this year as part of the Lincoln MKS sedan. Since then the engine now powers the Ford Flex, the Taurus SHO and the Lincoln MKT crossover. Analysis of sales figures show that more than 30 percent of Lincoln MKS buyers; more than 40 percent of MKT buyers; and 20 percent of Ford Taurus buyers chose the EcoBoost option. The company originally expected that 25 percent of buyers would opt for the EcoBoost option on the MKS; 25 percent for the MKT; and 10 percent for Taurus.

The sale of the EcoBoost engine also means more revenue for each car sold. Customers who decide to take the EcoBoost engine with their cars are paying an additional $5,000 to $10,000 for the vehicle. This accounts for Ford’s net pricing gain for the year of $3.8 billion.

Now comes word that Ford is rushing to get the V-6 EcoBoost into new models including the F-150 pickup in the U.S. and the Falcon sedan in Australia. In addition, the company has plans to release 4-cylinder EcoBoost engines in models in the U.S. and Europe. And there are reports that Ford will be offering a 1.0 liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine that could be used in the Ford Focus and Fiesta.

What makes the EcoBoost engine so unique is that it combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection. The technology results in more horsepower and torque from a smaller engine. Ford has said that the 6-cylinder engine performs like an 8 cylinder engine and gets better fuel economy.

German car makers had developed the technology for performance, but it is Ford who is the first to use it for both performance and fuel economy, and has filed about 125 patents on the technology.

Our take? Pundits are wondering if Ford can sustain the success. Why not, especially with 4-cylinder and even 3-cylinder EcoBoost engines coming soon. Moreover, the company plans to have 90 percent of its American models and 80 percent of its global models carrying the EcoBoost by 2013.

via Detroit News