Ford Announces New Gas-Saving Device

Ford has unveiled a SmartGauge dashboard system, which it says will help drivers improve their fuel economy by alerting them when they’re practicing good driving habits.

The system will basically provide feedback to the driver, with different levels of information available, ranging from the basic “Journey” mode to the more detailed “Empower.” The screen will display graphics that gauge engine performance and fuel efficiency, giving drivers more information that will help them stretch every gallon of gas even farther.

One of the issues Ford has had to deal with in developing the system is driver distraction. In earlier versions, the screen became too cluttered and required more of the driver’s attention to read than was safe. Designers solved this by moving to a “leaf-based” readout. The screen displays more green leaves when the driver is saving fuel, making it easy to distinguish between fuel-wasteful and fuel-efficient driving. Don’t believe us? Check out more images below.

The system will debut in two Ford hybrids, the 2010 Ford Fusion and 2010 Mercury Milan hybrids, which we wrote about earlier today.