Social Media News Release

Multimedia

Images

	Smart Car
	Smart Car
	Smart Car

Related Links

Feeds for Smart Car

Other Releases for Smart Car

smart has unveiled a new green driving initiative called ‘smart eco driving’.  Developed alongside the launch of the smart fortwo cdi, the lowest CO2 emitting car in production, the initiative builds on smart’s green driving credentials and teaches motorists how to drive in the greenest and most economical way.

The initiative is designed to encourage all drivers to adopt smarter driving techniques to enable them to save money and cut back on CO2 emissions via a smart tutorial. Green driving courses will also be available from Mercedes-Benz World later this summer. Motorists will be able to book a theory lesson to learn tips on how to effectively reduce both fuel consumption and emissions, as well as practical tuition with a professional eco-driving instructor where the techniques can be put into practice.

smart eco-driving expert, Mick Linford, comments; “The smart cdi is the greenest car on the road, but a smart driving tutorial can still help save money and CO2 emissions. With fuel prices rising, applying a smart approach to driving has obvious economic benefits, whatever car you are driving, and by learning how to get more out of a tank of fuel, motorists can make a difference to both their pocket and the environment.”

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars said: “smart eco driving is something that all drivers can adopt to make a real difference to the amount of CO2 they emit and the fuel they consume. If every driver on the road follows these simple techniques, we will together reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 20%”.

At the centre of the smart driving initiative are the G A S principals, three easy to remember steps that will see a typical driver save between 15-20% on fuel and emissions.

Gears – stay in as high a gear as you can, for as much of your journey as possible
Anticipation – look well ahead and adapt your speed to what is happening in the distance
Smooth Driving – accelerate and brake as little as possible to maintain momentum, thus saving fuel

Additional smart driving tips include:

• Reduce driving speeds by 10mph where safe to - higher speeds use more fuel
• Regularly check tyre pressure – under-inflated tyres use more fuel and need replacing more regularly
• Air conditioning uses fuel so turn it off and open the window a fraction – ideally no more than 10% as full open windows can create drag
• Turn the engine off if stationary for more than 10 seconds – smart’s mhd system does this automatically
• Cruise control can help minimise inadvertent variations in throttle
• Reduce loads - clear the boot  of unnecessary junk
• Regularly check air and fuel filters, as well as spark plugs – clogged filters can reduce efficiency
• Roof racks increase drag – take them off when not in use
• Use the MPG indicator (trip computer) so you’re always aware of how much fuel has been used
• Plan journeys well in advance and try to avoid times that will be congested

Eco driving lessons will be available from Mercedes-Benz World later this year. 

The smart range of cars starts from £8,272.87 and is available through the Mercedes-Benz retail network. To find out more about the new smart fortwo cdi visit: www.smart.com/uk

NOTES TO EDITORS
The smart range of environmentally friendly models include:
The new diesel model from smart, the smart fortwo cdi, boasts the lowest CO2 emissions of any production car currently on the road, at just 88g/km. Delivering 85.66mpg across urban and country driving conditions, it’s the best yet for economical and environmental driving. 

The smart fortwo micro-hybrid drive (mhd) features a user-friendly automatic stop/start system, switching off the engine when the car is not in motion, and restarting again when the brake pedal is released. At speeds of less than 5mph, no petrol is used and no exhaust fumes are emitted, reducing CO2 emissions to 103g/km, and cutting fuel consumption by an average of 9 per cent.

The smart fortwo electric drive is currently undergoing an exclusive UK market trial. Kind on the environment, the smart fortwo electric drive emits no carbon dioxide or any harmful substances, and has the ability to cover up to 70 miles on a single charge, with a top speed of 60 mph.

Eco-driving in practice
On Monday 8th June 2009, eco-driving expert, Mick Linford, applied the smart driving tips to a smart fortwo cdi as part of a Brighton to London drive. An astounding measurement of 109.9mpg was recorded on the route, which departed from Brighton Marina Drive and took him to City Hall, London, via the M23, M25 and A20. When compared to the standard return of 85.6mpg received from a smart cdi, it really demonstrates the difference that can be made by adopting eco-driving techniques.

Relevant Coverage

Comments