The new engines, formerly known as EcoBoost, feature turbocharging and direct injection technology and are said to provide up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent lower CO2 emissions without altering the engine performance.
“We're pleased to be able to invest further in the Ford Bridgend facility. The Bridgend team will play an important role in delivering these new engines, which add an innovative ingredient to petrol engine technology and deliver a combination of low emissions and efficient performance that will be vital to meet future customer needs around the world,” John Fleming, Ford of Europe chairman and CEO, commented on the new investment.
Such an investment plays a very important role for Ford in the context of global economic crisis, as it helps the American company step into the small-car and fuel-efficient market, one of the main targets for several North American carmakers. The small-car class slowly turns into the last chance to survive in the automotive industry for lots of companies because, due to the increasing petrol prices, the majority of customers started looking for more fuel-efficient cars, opting for lower fuel consumptions, detrimental to engine performance.
"The new engine programme will help preserve existing jobs and skills – this has been a real team effort. The joint works council, regional and national unions and our employees worked hard with the management team to secure this new engine. The Welsh Assembly Government provided us with valuable support and assistance,” Graham Edwards, Ford Bridgend plant manager, concluded.
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