Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, today unveiled the Eco Pedal - a world-first technology scheduled for release in 2009, designed to assist drivers in becoming more fuel-efficient.
The Eco Pedal is designed to act as a counter push-back control mechanism on the accelerator if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they might be using more fuel than required. Reportedly, it could improve a drivers fuel efficiency by 5 to 10%. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his/her driving behaviour.
Nissan is taking a three-pronged approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, comprising improvements in vehicle technologies, driving behaviour and traffic conditions. It could be argued, however, that the ECO Pedal has the potential to compromise safety in the name of fuel efficiency � but if this how an individual motorist views the technology, it can be turned off.
For the definitive history of Nissan's Z-cars, see the Veloce book Nissan 300ZX & 350Z - The Z-car Story
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