“eco:Drive” system wins public plaudits and international prizes

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After its recent success at the 56th Cannes International Advertising Festival, the innovative “eco:Drive” is still a hit with users. Available for Fiat 500, Grande Punto, Bravo – and now also Qubo and Croma – the software uses the potential of the Blue&Me platform to give drivers a better perception of how their driving style influences fuel consumption and polluting emissions. During the first eight months following the launch, more than 50,000 people have downloaded it free of charge from the site www.fiat.com/ecodrive.

More than 20,000 people also use it all the time to monitor their driving style, taking part in a lively exchange of views on “eco:Ville”, an online community where you can share your commitment to eco-responsible driving. A great public success but also a specific commitment: “eco:Drive” tips have made it possible to save more than 1,500 tons of CO₂ in Europe - enough energy to light up the streets of a city the size of Geneva for 16 months.

The “eco:Drive” was featured at the 56^th Cannes International Advertising Festival, where it won the most prestigious prize: the “Grand Prix” in the Cyber category, partly through the efforts of the AKQA agency in London.

How does it work? As you drive, “eco:Drive” collects information on how you handle the vehicle and its efficiency. All data are sent through the Blue&Me infotainment system USB port to a standard USB drive where they can be read on a computer. Users can then take a careful look at their fuel consumption and emissions for each trip (essentially creating their own eco-Index) and get tips on how to achieve a more eco-friendly driving style. They can actually improve their score by progressing through a series of tutorials: motorists who are more concerned about becoming eco-responsible drivers can expect a 15% improvement in their driving style, which means cutting CO₂ emissions by 15% and an annual fuel saving of EUR 120 to 200.

The system will also be constantly updated with contributions from its users to make it even more useful. Last but not least, the “eco:Drive” system is based on Blue&Me technology, the platform developed by FIAT Group Automobiles in partnership with Microsoft. The system has already received various international awards, with 800,000 units fitted to various Group models over the last two years.