Fiat scoops eco award

Fiat has won a major award for its environmentally-friendly eco:Drive system.

The company scooped Digital Technology prize at the Media Guardian Innovation Awards for its innovative appraoch to encouraging green driving. Through the use of a USB stick which is connected to the dashboard, the eco:Drive service gives motorists feedback on their performance behind the wheel and how they can improve their technique to become more environmentally friendly.

Claudio Annicchiarico at Fiat UK said: “I think our eco:Drive technology shows Fiat’s commitment to customers goes that extra mile and provides them with cutting edge technology which can help save money and have a direct impact on emissions.”

Eco driving

The term ‘eco driving’, or ‘green driving’ refers to simple techniques to encourage safer, more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly motoring.

Eco driving	… at a glance
Take it smooth	Avoiding harsh acceleration and braking saves fuel and reduces wear and tear – it leaves you feeling more relaxed, too
Anticipate	By looking as far as possible up the road it’s possible to reduce stop/start driving, thereby reducing fuel consumption and making you a safer driver into the bargain
Shed weight	Remove unnecessary clutter from your car and you will use less fuel
Improve your areodynamics	If you don’t regularly use your roof rack or top box, remove it as it’s reducing the efficiency of your car

What is the ETA?

The ETA is an organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.