Recently we saw the Kiwi Driving Tool that immerses the driver in an Eco like game to promote fuel efficient driving.  Ford is going full featured and embedding a similar, but much more robust system in their Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan 2010 Hyrbids.

Smartgauge uses 2 LCDs placed on either side of the analog speedometer that display the driver’s fuel efficiency.  One screen will display actual statistics, such as MPGs, while the other LCD will display growing leaves and vines, which serve as a reward to boost the driver’s incentive to be mindful – this will no doubt add ego and boasting rights, which will probably appear online in forums and such.  Additionally, the SmartGuage will train the driver how to operate their vehicle in a more Eco friendly manner, using 4 modes called ‘inform, enlighten, engage and empower’.

[Cnet]