New Audi tells drivers how to save fuel

Having spent hundreds of millions of dollars making their vehicles more efficient, at least one car maker has turned the focus to drivers in an effort to further reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.

Technology due here in an Audiearly next year monitors driver behaviour and offers advice to cut fuel use, in turn reducing emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. It includes tips on the best gear to be in, not putting your foot on the clutch too early, and not using the accelerator when starting the car.

The car also alerts the driver to how much air-conditioning, seat heaters and window demisters add to fuel consumption.

The technology is only available on the most efficient Audi models, the first of which will go on sale here next year, but it can be adapted to any vehicle.

But Audi admits the technology has the potential to infuriate drivers who would prefer to be left alone.

"It's a very new technology and we're not sure how the customers will react," said an Audi technical development engineer, Thomas Kamla. "We are not trying to be schoolmasters. It gives you hints and tips about your driving style, so it could be a bit dangerous [in how some people accept such advice]."

Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, is working to adapt the technology to its model range, assuming motorists accept it.

The company says it is a way of involving drivers regarding the subject of fuel consumption.

"We are convinced it helps drivers to save fuel depending on your driving style, maybe an average between 10 and 15 per cent," Mr Kamla said. "If this experiment is successful we'll bring it to market with all cars."

Each of the driving misdemeanours may only save fractions of a litre of fuel, but together they could lead to substantial savings over the car's life.

Multiplied across millions of cars it has the potential to substantially reduce fuel use and, in turn, carbon dioxide emissions.

Reducing fuel use in the primary goal of all car makers. While the 1990s were dedicated to performance and safety improvements, the 21st century is fast becoming the era of the environment.

Every car maker is working to reduce the fuel consumption of their vehicles. Even Ferrari says it is the company's primary goal