Ford Aims to Match VW BlueMotion's Efficiency

The race to develop new fuel efficiency enhancement technologies often make automakers have a look at what their rivals are building and, if you ask Ford, that's not a bad thing at all. The US-based carmaker has set a new goal to match the fuel efficiency figures achieved by Volkswagen's BlueMotion, establishing a new plan that would allow the company to improve the mileage boasted by its range.

Global Product chief Derek Kuzak confirmed to Autocar that Ford will pay more attention to the vehicles it will launch in the future, trying to make them as fuel efficient as possible.

Each of the models included in Ford's future product plans will thus make a weight cutting programme as well as special aerodynamic testings, both of which have a major contribution to the overall fuel efficiency figures achieved by every vehicle on the road.

Both the Polo and Golf BlueMotion are exempted from the British road tax but also from the London Congestion Charge, as they are emitting below 100 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Specifically, the Golf BlueMotion releases 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer, while the Polo BlueMotion drops to 91 g/km.

“All BlueMotion variants feature a series of subtle yet effective modifications aimed at maximising efficiency. These take the form of optimised aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tires, Start/Stop, battery regeneration and longer gearing. The result is less strain is put on the common rail diesel engine, which in turn leads to lower emissions and greater economy,” Volkswagen said in early January when the two models were exempted from the London Congestion Charge.