In terms of fuel consumption, it is not only the kind of car that you drive that matters but also how you drive the vehicle. American car manufacturer Ford developed a new system to add to their MyFord and MyLincoln interface that can teach drivers get more miles out of their fuel load by providing real-time consumption information.

The MyFord system gets enhanced with the Eco-Route technology that is map-based and is centered on coaching the driver for maximum fuel efficiency. It is really a step up from Ford’s SmartGauge EcoGuide which uses graphics of flowers and leaves to represent real time fuel consumption. If your driving habits are fine, the more flowers and leaves you get.

The MyFord Touch uses the destination that is given by the driver and provides the options for the shortest, fastest, or the most economical route based on real time data of traffic, historical traffic numbers, and the speed posted.

The EcoRoute option will not really be the shortest or fastest route but it will be the most fuel efficient option. The system will lead the way through roads that are less congested but will also utilize main roads so the driver can utilize some efficient speed.

So far, the testing of the MyFord Touch system ups the fuel efficiency numbers by 15%.

The MyFord Touch will also enable drivers to keep track of their mpg averages on regular set of intervals via bar charts proximate to the fuel gauge. Drivers can also customize the information they get so they can get most of the eco-driving coaching by the system.