SmartGauge with EcoGuide will become standard feature on 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, Ford's representatives said in a press statement, in a move clearly meant to attract customers interested in getting the best possible fuel consumption from their cars.
“SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good ‘coach,’ engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy.”
The new system was developed together with IDEO and Smart Design, two companies which helped the American manufacturer turn SmartGauge into a useful and real-time system providing important and sometimes, critical, information regarding vehicles.
“The main question hybrid drivers had was, ‘How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid?’ ” said Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader. “We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That’s what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does.”
There are four data screens provided by SmartGauge, Ford explained in the press statement, each of them capable of showing fuel economy, odometer, engine temperature, current gear and trip data:
1. Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
2. Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
3. Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
4. Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption
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