Ford is crazy, claims 25mpg makes its EcoBoost engine green

Consumers are looking for more value and less cost in almost every industry right now and automotive is no exception. It’s ironic though that an established player like Ford is enthusiastically toting the mileage rating for its new EcoBoost engine. Especially with a new version of the Prius incoming and the Chevy Volt on track for availability in 2010. But maybe there’s more at work.

Ford claims that it’s been moving toward fuel efficient vehicles for a while, and that it isn’t reacting to the sky high gas prices rampaging our economy last year. Almost as though to prove that claim, Ford is talking up its EcoBoost engine which is supposed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve mileage by about 20%, all while preserving the acceleration drivers are accustomed to.

The new EcoBoost engine will get an estimated 25 to 26 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 to 20 miles per gallon in city driving, says Ford according to CBS.

Ohio is a struggling state with unemployment hovering around 8% and the state has ties to the automotive industry seconded only by Michigan. But Ford is going to need some powerhouse marketing to convince drivers that its EcoBoost engine is worthwhile over other even more efficient hybrid vehicles. It may be planning an appeal to people’s demand for low prices and conscience as the EcoBoost emits less carbon. Ford writes:

. . . EcoBoost . . . enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power. We’re able to decrease the size of the available engine -- such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque of that larger engine.

I want Ford to succeed in turning out some dynamite cars that command the attention of consumers and do some good for the environment at the same time. But with mediocre announcements like this, Ford may be missing out on appealing to people ready for dramatic change.