If you want directions for getting around town that aren’t necessarily the fastest but would save more fuel, Garmin has a new software add-on to their satellite navigation system that will be right up your alley. Garmin announced the new ‘ecoRoute’ software at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) last week, and it will reportedly be available for downloading on their website starting in February.
Here’s the press release, from Auto Blog Green:
PRESS RELEASE:
ecoRoute™ from Garmin® Helps Drivers Save Gas and Money Through Fuel-Efficient Paths, Smarter Driving Habits
LAS VEGAS, Nev./January 7, 2009/Business Wire – Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today introduced ecoRoute, a free software update that helps drivers conserve money and fuel, easing growing pressures on personal budgets and the environment. ecoRoute, which suggests fuel-efficient navigation, was announced in conjunction with the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and will be on display at the Garmin booth (South Hall 4, #35832).
“Many of the biggest challenges currently facing people around the world involve the economy and the environment,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Using ecoRoute on your Garmin nüvi® helps you be a smarter driver at a time when everyone is trying to make their paychecks and their gas tanks go the extra mile. As the global leader in satellite navigation, we embrace the opportunity to be the leader in fuel-efficient, eco-friendly navigation.”
In addition to “faster time” and “shorter distance” for route preference, ecoRoute lets nüvi users choose “less fuel” as the best way to save gas and money. Through ecoRoute’s Fuel Report, Mileage Report and fuel-saving tips, drivers can focus on their fuel conservation even when they’re not behind the wheel. Fuel Report tracks fuel usage over time, and Mileage Report monitors mileage and fuel usage on a per-trip basis. Drivers can customize their nüvi to fit their vehicle by accessing the “vehicle profile” under ecoRoute in the tools menu. There, you can enter your car’s fuel economy and the current price of gas to help nüvi better calculate your savings.
To find out if your nüvi is compatible with ecoRoute through a free, downloadable software update, go to www.garmin.com/ecoroute.
ecoRoute is the latest breakthrough from Garmin, which has spent 20 years using technology and innovation to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. To learn more about ecoRoute and Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com and www.garmin.blogs.com.
I think this is a great idea for those who are into the whole GPS navigation thing. I have resisted GPS, myself, not only because it seems like just another pointless plastic gadget but because I don’t like the idea of using something that could allow my every move to be tracked. I’m paranoid like that. And yes, I am totally wearing a tin foil hat.
Link [Auto Blog Green]
