Fiat and AKQA have teamed up to announce a new application that helps drivers improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. The application connects the car to a user's PC and uses analytic software to evaluate the drivers driving style and show ways to cut down on fuel usage. Fiat's Blue and Me technology is required in the vehicle to use eco:Drive.

Data on driving style is downloaded onto a USB drive that includes acceleration, deceleration, gear changes, and speed. After analysis, the software provides a score and helps drivers learn techniques to improve fuel economy. The application is a free download from the Fiat website.

Lorenzo Sistino, Fiat Automobiles CEO, speaking at the Paris Motorshow, commented, "Eco:drive is also the first step of a revolution; in fact, for the first time ever, a standard vehicle is connected with a PC and with the Web. It is also an innovative technology, but with an important social and educational objective: this is the first time that an automotive brand has launched an interactive technology that helps its customers improve their style of driving in order to save and to respect the environment."

Via Fiat