WASHINGTON – Ford announced it plans to more than triple its production levels of vehicles equipped with its EcoBoost engines. In addition, the company is expanding the number of vehicle models available with EcoBoost engines, from seven in 2011 to a total of 11 in 2012. The automaker added that by the end of 2012, nine Ford models will get an EPA-certified 40 mpg highway.

For example, Ford is including its 1.6L EcoBoost engine in the new Escape and Fusion sedan, a 2.0L EcoBoost engine in the full-size Taurus sedan, and an EcoBoost engine in the Police Interceptor.

“EcoBoost expansion and availability in high-volume nameplates such as the all-new Ford Escape and Fusion will take this affordable, fuel-saving technology to the heart of the market,” said Ford Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering Sue Cischke. “Ford is committed to delivering class-leading fuel economy for our customers, which benefits the environment and helps the U.S. move toward greater energy independence.”

As an example of its increase in EcoBoost-equipped vehicle production, Ford noted that in 2010 all of its F-150 pickup trucks came with V-8s. A year later in 2011, 56% of F-150 buyers purchased V-6 EcoBoost-equipped versions of the truck.