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By Scott Doggett, Contributor


Building upon fuel-consumption displays found in the Toyota Prius and other vehicles, Ford announced today that its 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids will be equipped with an instrument cluster that will provide real-time information and verbal coaching to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency.


The SmartGauge with EcoGuide (pictured) will give drivers current fuel-economy data and, unique to the Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, offer verbal encouragement to help them become mileage-maximizing motorists.


The interactive system provides four levels of information display, from a basic "Journey" mode to the content-rich "Empower" level that will present the most detail on engine performance as well as the most feedback on how to improve fuel efficiency.


The graduated levels of information are offered to appease motorists who just want the basics, others who can't get enough fuel-economy feedback, and everyone in between.


Jeff Greenberg, Ford's senior technical leader, said the main question hybrid drivers have is, "How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid?" Ford's response is SmartGauge, which the automaker developed in collaboration with IDEO and Smart Design, he said.
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Tags: Chevrolet, Emissions, Ford, Fuel Economy, Green Vehicles, Hybrid, Mercury, Plug-ins and Electric, Toyota, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, Ford Motor Co., GM, Hybrid, Smart Gauge, SmartGauge, SmartGauge With EcoGuide

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Ford Device Will Aid Drivers of 2010 Fusion, Mercury Milan Hybrids Maximize Mileage was originally published by Green Car Advisor. Read the full story by clicking here.