Ford to upgrade China engine range

Ford Motor 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.

By Autocar Pro News Desk

22 Nov 2011

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According to a report by Automotive News, 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. "Ford is committed to be a fuel economy leader in every segment that we compete by utilizing advanced powertrain technologies," said Kumar Galhorta, Ford China’s vice president of product development for Ford Asia-Pacific and Africa.

The US carmaker also plans to produce the smallest of its EcoBoost engines -- a new 1.0-litre engine -- in China, the report adds. It will be offered in small- to medium-sized vehicles, the company said. The automaker unveiled that engine in the Ford Start concept car, displayed at last year’s Beijing auto show.

In India, Ford India recently crossed the 100,000 mark for wholesale and export deliveries for the first ten months of 2010. The company is also due to launch its Ecosport SUV in early 2012.