Ford's EcoGuide helps give your brakes a break

Many drivers know that they can save on fuel by laying off the accelerator pedal, but did you know you can also cut fuel bills by 12 per cent if you avoid unnecessary braking?

We are now introducing technology so that drivers can slow down in good time – and avoid hard braking – based on what lies ahead, and even out of sight.

EcoGuide will help customers drive more smoothly by using satnav information that provides advance notice of junctions, slopes and bends, or upcoming speed limits. It analyses driving behaviour and offers feedback via the instrument cluster to work towards the best efficiency for the road conditions ahead.

Michael McDonagh, Transit global chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe.

“Everyone has experienced occasions when we have to brake suddenly if a bend is tighter than expected, only to speed up again afterwards. EcoGuide will help avoid this, saving drivers fuel, time and stress.”

EcoGuide comes first to new Transit, Transit Custom van and Tourneo Custom people mover from mid-2019 – the first time such technology has been made available on a commercial vehicle.

Rebecca Ashton, Head of Policy and Research for U.K. road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart, which runs eco-driving training courses approved by the Energy Saving Trust.

“Driving smoothly and assessing the road ahead as much as possible to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration can improve your fuel consumption by as much as 12 per cent.”

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