Ford is taking a proactive move to help drivers of the upcoming 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids save fuel. A quaint display shows leaves and vines that grow further to “reward” drivers who a gentle on the gas pedal. A significant step above efficient-driving lights or gauges as seen in other hybrids, the Ford system works almost like a game to keep drivers away from pumps.
The SmartGauge is the first sign of Ford’s upcoming Fusion and Milan hybrids, which will be based on the redesigned standard models expected to be unveiled at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. We’d also expect the SmartGauge to be spread across Ford’s hybrid lineup, most notably the Escape and Mariner small SUVs.
According to Ford, the gauge setup can display a variety of screens, including instant fuel economy, comparative fuel economy from previous days and, of course, the growing leaves and vines. Designed to represent the “green” lifestyle coveted by hybrid marketers, the leaves and vines grow the more efficiently a driver pilots the cars over time.
Ford’s Nancy Gioia told the Wall Street Journal, “You don’t have to count the leaves. But if you’re in a forest of leaves, you’ll know you’re doing well.”
10/29, 9:24 AM
posted by:
pav8581
This may help the lead footed teens a bit. You say game and they’ll use it as a way to compete with all their friends. I can hear it now, “How many leaves do you have?” “I have 3.” “Well obviously I’m better at it than you because I have 6.”
10/29, 9:28 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
My ‘03 Infiniti G35 Coupe had almost an identical green leaf display on the optional navigation system showing instant fuel economy. When driving efficiently (read: SLOWLY), the leaf was entirely green. As you put your foot down, less and less of the leaf was green.
10/29, 9:37 AM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Yeah like any teen is going to drive a Fusion or Milan hybrid.
10/29, 9:47 AM
posted by:
aexcorp
Let me file that under “Ford’s desperate attempt to improve gas mileage instead of engineering their engines properly to really get the bump we’d like to see”.
But seriously, if that really helps retards who don’t know how to drive and don’t realize that it’s useless to put the pedal to the metal when you can only move for 100 ft before you reach the next idiot blocking the left lane, which I see just about every day, then fine, let them play their game.
On another side note, I wonder what impact this will have on accidents, since most people can barely drive without distraction, and now they’ll be playing games… That also won’t help clearing up the left lane unfortunately for us…
10/29, 10:36 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
More electronic gimmickery.
If Ford would concentrate on making a car (aside from Mustang) that people actually want to buy they wouldn’t need all the stupid techno gadgets. The car should sell the technology… not the other way around.
10/29, 11:14 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I would personally prefer a flowering vagina as my display. Reverse psychology I suppose: going easy on the throttle keeps her wide open.
10/29, 11:27 AM
posted by:
Borat
Johnny, eating is considered a major cause of drivers distraction. How you keep mouth on the road when it opens up?
10/29, 11:39 AM
posted by:
muttonchops
I can’t believe you people. Ford releases Hybrids that everyone has been clamouring for and all you can do is bitch. Desperate attempt my ass. First of all the Hybrid Fusion may be late to the game, but it will get better mileage than the Accord Hybrid. And secondly, why is creating a display that informs the driver of the impact of his driving habits a bad thing? if it helps people achieve better economy isn’t that a good thing? I know when I drive more sedately and really try I can boost my mileage by as much as 20%.
I’m sick of this negativity.
10/29, 11:54 AM
posted by:
A4
thats good lets play a “game” in the dashboard while we’re driving! you should talk on your cell phone and paint your toenails while your at it.
10/29, 11:58 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Leaves are no reward. What I want is a in-dash dispenser of small shiny green stars that I can lick and put on my forehead while I drive so when I stop and get out of the car everyone will see how cool and green I am.
10/29, 12:08 PM
posted by:
TomF
Cute little leaves and vines on the dashboard? Will Ford make a different version for men?
10/29, 12:15 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
Should The U.S. Auto Industry Be Rescued? Today on NPR!
10/29, 1:05 PM
posted by:
MercMark
The leaves wither and fall off when you rear-end someone because you weren’t paying attention.
10/29, 2:24 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
Cool but is the car can’t do a burn-out I don’t need it…
10/29, 8:39 PM
posted by:
EEAlex
who gives a ****, I’m all about mashing my S class pedal through the floor