Ford to kick start Chinese turbo era with Ecoboost technology
Turbo equipped cars in China are few and far between, it appears that VW are the biggest leader in the “T” segment, and their partners SAIC are also doing well with the introduction of their own 1.8T and soon to be 1.5T engine.
Ford are not wanting to be left behind in the turbo era are planning to begin production of Ecoboost technology in the Chinese marketplace for use on Focus, C-Max, and Kuga models, with the latter models more than likely going into production late next year once the 4-Cylinder 1.6 and 2.0l ecoboost range of engines go into production in 2010.
According to sales statistics, Ford is placed 12th in terms of sales in China. Although Ford is above Kia, it is still below Suzuki and Ford has plans to change the situation in the next coming years with them planning to ramp up sales and hopefully lift their market share from the current 4% to something much higher.
The introduction of Ford Ecoboost technology indicates that Ford are planning a rethink of their Chinese line up to make way for smaller displacement turbo engines which will give them lower emissions but higher power returns, and will also fall into a lower sales tax bracket.
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A Fiesta “ST” with a 1.4 ecoboost would be a hot little hatch!
Only the SVP to start with!
Maybe a second generation Fiesta circa 2011 would get the Euro gearbox and the ecoboost?
That would be something to look forward to! It seems that the automakers are finally starting to realize that buyers over here aren’t just concerned about fuel economy, but that they also appreciate some fun in their cars too.
Also, when I asked a mechanic at my local Ford dealer if the Chinese Mondeo will ever get the 2.5t, he said it was more likely that the 2.3L would be replaced by a 1.8t or 2.0t.