Italian automobile manufacturer Fiat has developed cars containing a device developed by Microsoft that allows users to gather information on their driving efficiency.
The system – dubbed ecoDrive – is designed to help drivers become more environmentally efficient.
Users plug in a USB drive into a port in the car to record information on their acceleration, deceleration, gear changes and speed, which is then uploaded to a computer for analysing.
The results then describe how the driver can improve their driving practices to maintain environmentally efficient driving.
The device even has an online community where users can share tips and experiences – and it works. Fiat says the new software can cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15%.
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