A study published by New Jersey-based turbocharger manufacturer Honeywell predicts that 3.2 million turbocharged vehicles will be sold in the United States in 2012. This marks a noticeable increase over the 2.2 million forced-induction cars and trucks sold in 2011.
Industry analysts explain that buyers often turn to turbocharged cars because they use less gas than normally-aspirated models and typically cost less than similarly-sized hybrids. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all offer at least one gasoline-burning turbocharged mill.
"[Turbocharging] is a proven technology that can be used across market segments and does not put the consumer in an extended payback period like other technologies to realize its benefits," said Tony Schultz, the vice president of Honeywell Turbo Technologies' American division.
The number of turbocharged new cars sold in the United States is expected to keep growing as gasoline prices rise and stringent fuel economy standards come into effect. A research firm called LMC Automotive estimates that nearly a quarter of new cars will be equipped with a turbocharger in 2017.
In Europe, where fuel is typically many times more expensive than in the United States, most new cars sold are equipped with a turbocharger.
