One year ago, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers launched a ‘consumer awareness program’ called ‘Eco Driving’. The goal of ‘Eco Driving’ is to educate American drivers about how to reduce fuel consumption and decrease carbon emissions by changing driving habits. “The program helps drivers achieve the highest gas mileage available from every single vehicle on the road, regardless of size and age,” said Amy Corsinita, an Alliance spokesperson in an interview with hybridcars.com. Colorado and California are the first states that join this consumer awareness program, with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger spearheading the endorsement.
This consumer awareness program was met with ‘cynicism’ by environmentalists, who emphasize that the campaign throws a smoke screen over the industry’s slow move toward fuel-saving vehicles. In an interview with hybridcars.com, Jim Kleisch, senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists said, “Providing drivers tips on how to improve their fuel economy is helpful, but the industry needs to be doing a lot more than this. Consumers need cleaner and substantially more fuel-efficient vehicles on the showroom floors and until that happen, our economy and our environment are going to suffer.”
The ‘Eco Driving’ program teaches each American driver a set of best practices for driving and maintenance, allowing a typical car owner to ‘augment’ fuel economy about 15 percent. Driving and operation practices consist of: driving at optimum speeds, making the best use of synchronized traffic lights, utilizing proper braking techniques, and deciding when it makes sense to use air conditioning. On the maintenance side, the guidance tackles issues such as choosing which motor oil to use, as well as knowledge the effects of tire pressure.
Much of the information provided is ‘familiar’ sense. The idea is for motorists to start decrease their carbon footprint ASAP without having to purchase a new fuel-efficient vehicle, or wait years on the development of advance technology.
Another articles by Johan Young you may interest in reading: BMW Vision, Best Selling Hybrid-4, Hybrid Pickup Trucks, and Hybrid Car Rental.
