Ford Introduces Fuel-Saving Service Check [Updated]

Ford has created the Econo Check service for its UK customers, with the aftersales project promising to offer owners a fuel bill cut of up to 25 percent. The Ford Econo Chech offers both a vehicle inspection aimed at identifying the potential issues that might lead to fuel consumption increase, as well as a detailed analysis of driving style and advice on how to improve fuel economy. The Econo Check, which is aimed at most vehicles up to 12 years old, starts with a 15-minute vehicle inspection, carried out by a Ford technician which includes tire pressure oil and air filter cleanliness checks. The technician will also connect a detachable data logger to the vehicle, which will remain in the cabin for seven days. Subsequently, the recorder is removed (by the dealer or by the customer) and used to reveal data on driving speed, anticipation, braking and gear change with the final aim of generating a personalized report. The customer receives an Econo Check report by e-mail, which will recommend the driving style adjustments that could lead to reduced fuel consumption and emissions. A Ford Econo Check costs 29,99 pounds, with 15 pounds refundable against the next scheduled service, and also includes a 15 pound fuel voucher. „Ford is first in offering an Econo Check to so many owners, almost regardless of their vehicles' age. The Blue Oval brand already includes a range of product choices for customers prioritising the environment, such as ECOnetic diesel models and EcoBoost petrol-engined vehicles. Now our dealers' service departments are helping to cut rising fuel and other running costs on Ford models by smarter driving," said Andy Barrat, Ford customer service director. Update (07.06.2010): Vauxhall is ofering a (somewhat) similar service for its customers.