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.”
