Fiat has announced it will partner with Microsoft to create a new system called EcoDrive — a data-logging software. The automaker and software giant have partnered in the past to develop Blue&Me — a system similar to the Sync system Microsoft developed with Ford .
EcoDrive will allow Fiat owners to log a variety of vehicle and driver data such as throttle position, transmission, speeds and various engine parameters that affect fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Then, through the Blue&Me interface, drivers will be able to instantly download all data collected onto a USB thumb drive. The driver can then connect the thumb drive to a computer loaded with the Microsoft EcoDrive software to analyze the data. The software can then give suggestions on how to change driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.
The software can only be run on Windows-based computers.
