Looking ahead: Ford's Progress on Fuel Economy
There are reasons why, of the Detroit 3, Ford remains in the best shape. Not great shape, but better than GM (which is cutting product development budgets) and Chrysler (on extended deathwatch):
From Mark Fields, Ford's chief in "The Americas:" FUEL ECONOMY LEADERSHIP
- With every new Ford vehicle, we commit to be the best or among the best for fuel economy. By the end of 2010, nearly all of our North American engines will be upgraded or replaced. Within two years, nearly all of our North American lineup will offer fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions.
- Innovative technologies and clever engineering solutions already are putting Ford at the head of the pack for fuel economy in vehicles including the 2009 Ford Focus, Escape and Escape Hybrid, Flex and F-150.
- The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan will be the next products to offer customers a more fuel-efficient powertrain lineup. The all-new Duratec 2.5-liter four cylinder engine is expected to deliver fuel economy that’s at least 3 mpg (hwy) better than Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than Toyota Camry.
- The all-new Fusion and Milan Hybrids are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy, beating Toyota Camry Hybrid by at least 5 mpg (city). With these new hybrids, Ford will double the size and volume of its hybrid lineup and will be the largest domestic producer of full-hybrid vehicles in North America. Ford also will have the most fuel efficient SUV and mid-size sedan on the road.
- Our EcoBoost technology is slated for a wide range of global vehicles and will benefit millions of customers. It uses gas turbocharged direct-engine technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy, up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger-displacement engines.
- The first applications of EcoBoost V-6 engines come next year in the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS. Four-cylinder EcoBoost engines will debut in 2010 in North America and Europe. We’ll offer EcoBoost on more than 80 percent of our North American lineup by the end of 2012.
- Our sustainability strategy also includes mid- and long-term technologies that will benefit millions of customers without compromising their expectations for fuel economy, quality, safety and performance. For the mid term (2013-2020), we’ll achieve gains by fully implementing solutions and proven technologies that we’re evaluating for high-volume introduction - such as significant weight reductions, high-volume hybrids, plug-in hybrids and a broader application of EcoBoost. Beyond that, we’ll look at volume introductions of emerging alternative solutions such as hydrogen, full-battery electric vehicles and bio fuels.