Ford ’s EcoBoost technology has only been on the road for a few months now, but the turbocharging technology is proving to be a real boost for the Michigan automaker. Thanks to its range of EcoBoost-equipped vehicles, Ford is seeing higher-than-expected sales and juicier profit margins.
According to The Detroit News, Ford’s EcoBoost sales are far exceeding the company’s original sales predictions. Moreover, most customers are paying $5,000 to $10,000 more to have the EcoBoost technology.
“It clearly was part of our plan to distinguish us in a very crowded marketplace,” Derrick Kuzak, Ford ’s global head of product development, told The Detroit News. “It’s doing that very well.”
So far, every vehicle available with Ford’s EcoBoost technology is exceeding original forecasts. More than 30 percent of Lincoln MKS buyers have opted for the turbocharged engine, exceeding Ford’s prediction of a 25 percent take rate. The MKS’ Ford counterpart – the SHO – is only available with an EcoBoost engine, but 20 percent of all Taurus buyers are opting for the EcoBoost version, double Ford’s original projection of 10 percent. Same story with the Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex crossovers, enjoying a 40 and 13 percent take rate, respectively.
It remains to be seen if the EcoBoost technology will be able to retain its sales momentum, but things are looking good for Ford. The Blue Oval will soon launch its EcoBoost technology in the Ford F-150 pickup and will launch a four-cylinder version of the motor in the coming months. Ford is also planning a 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost motor, which could surface in future Fiesta and Ka models.
