Ford : Ecoboost engines have good opportunity in India

A top Executive has mentioned that Ford sees great opportunity for its ‘EcoBoost’ range of engines in India. EcoBoost engines, just like Voklswagen’s TSI and Audi’s FSI make use of direct injection as well as turbocharging to considerably increase power and reduce fuel consumption. “Customers have embraced EcoBoost technology because of its ability to deliver power and performance with uncompromised fuel economy. The technology has a great deal of opportunity in India,” Group VP global product development Derrick Kuzak told at the Chicago Auto Show.

He said the technology is “ideal” for small displacement engines and will provide “exceptional fuel economy and great performance at the same time. In the future, ecoboost could be a great technology for India,” he added. This means India can look forward to better engines. So far, India has been treated as an old market by automobile companies providing older generation engines – The Skoda Octavia RS, Fabia are real examples. While they provide higher power and efficiency abroad (180 Vs 150 for RS), their Indian engine lineup has been nothing short of dull. Maybe this announcement will inject some much needed developments.

The next-gen Micra and Polo will be available with turbocharged engines worldwide but for India, they make do with underpowered normally aspirated units. This attitude has to change with better quality fuel around the corner. Also, Indian customers are willing to pay more for better quality products.

Terming India as a “very important and one of the largest growing markets in the world,” he said Ford will continue to expand its portfolio in the country. The firm is “pleased and excited” about launching ‘Figo’, its first small car for the Indian market, he added. “Figo fits right in the Indian market in terms of its affordability,” he said.

Internationally, Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology was introduced a year ago and has met with great response. These engines sport 20% better fuel efficiency and 15% lesser emissions. A typical 1.6L EcoBoost engine makes 180 bhp (130 kW) and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) would do wonders in the next-gen Fiesta. Now that should set your pulses racing! Bring them on.

ET