Ford to Triple European Output of EcoBoost-Powered Cars

Ford Motor Co. intends to increase European production of vehicles equipped with its EcoBoost gasoline engine technology to 480,000 units by 2015 from about 141,000 units last year.

Ford also plans to double to 10 the number of models that offer the fuel-efficient system by 2015. By then the company expects more than half the vehicles it sells in Europe to be equipped with EcoBoost engines.

Ford says the increases will help it meet stricter EU tailpipe emission standards. EcoBoost engines combine turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing to improve power and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 15%, according to the company.

Ford says it aims to increase European output of EcoBoost engines sold elsewhere to 800,000 units by 2015 from 90,000 units last year. The company also produces EcoBoost engines at a factory near Cleveland, Ohio.