Ford ECOnetic and Transit models feature gear-shift indicator
Author: MotorTorque Team
Published: 17 December 2008
A new 'smart' gear change alert indicator which signals to drivers when to change gear at the optimum moment will be fitterd to the new Ford ECOnetic and Transit models, Ford has announced.
The system, designed to help cut fuel costs and reduce CO2 emissions, has been fitted as standard to the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic and Mondeo ECOnetic models, Transit and Transit Connect TDCi diesels, and will feature on all new Ford Focus ECOnetic in early 2009.
Sensing the way the vehicle is being driven, the indicator monitors data from the vehicle, including throttle position, road gradient, vehicle load and driving style to help the driver to identify the most suitable gear change point.
Tim Winstanley, Ford diesel powertrain manager, said: "Many drivers could improve their fuel economy significantly by changing gear earlier. The indicator provides drivers with a helpful aid to using less fuel and encourages a smoother driving style."
A Smart Driving Challenge held by Ford earlier this year showed that the techniques drivers adopt using the gear-shift indicator can save up to £325 per year, whilst improving the MPG by over a third.
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