Ford to introduce 20 advanced engines, transmissions in China
Ford Motor Co. says it will upgrade its entire powertrain portfolio in China with 20 advanced engines and transmissions to support its plan to introduce 15 new vehicles in the country by 2015.
The advanced technologies -- including turbochargers, direct injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing and six-speed automatic transmissions -- are expected to improve the fuel economy of Ford's passenger vehicle lineup in China by more than 20 percent, the company said in a statement.
"Ford is committed to be a fuel economy leader in every segment that we compete by utilizing advanced powertrain technologies," said Kumar Galhorta, vice president of product development for Ford Asia-Pacific and Africa. "These technologies represent a core part of our near-term sustainability goals in China."
Ford plans to produce the smallest of its EcoBoost engines -- a new 1.0-liter engine -- in China. It will be offered in small- to medium-sized vehicles, the company said. The automaker unveiled that engine in the Ford Start concept car, which debuted at the 2010 Beijing auto show.
Ford is expanding its Ecoboost lineup following the successful introduction of an Ecoboost-powered Mondeo in China earlier this year. Due to strong demand, Ford ran short of Mondeos powered by a 2-liter Ecoboost engine.
Ford expects EcoBoost engines to be available on all Ford-branded passenger cars sold in China by 2015. Market demand will determine which additional EcoBoost engines Ford will offer in China.
The automaker said it will also introduce an advanced non-turbocharged engine in China that combines gasoline direct injection with variable camshaft timing.
The automaker also is replacing its four-speed automatic transmission and five-speed manual gearbox with three new six-speed transmissions.
Ford will introduce its PowerShift dual-clutch transmission, a conventional automatic with a torque converter, and a manual gearbox.
Ford currently has one engine plant in China. The company's Chinese joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., has begun construction of a $500 million (3.2 billion yuan) engine factory and a 2.2 billion yuan transmission plant in China.
Initially, each of those two new plants will produce 400,000 units annually.
