An EcoDrive initiative supported by the FIA Foundation which aims to help motorists become more fuel efficient when driving has been showcased at an International Transport Forum event on 23 November.
The event in Paris was hosted jointly by the Forum, which involves over 50 Ministers of Transport from around the world, and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Delegates were told that EcoDrive can lead to significant improvements in fuel efficiency. The FIA Foundation has co-financed the EcoDrive scheme which is run by the Japan Automobile Federation.
It provides motorists with a set of clear guidelines on how to improve fuel efficiency including ways to accelerate gradually, turn off the engine when not moving, maintain the correct tyre pressure and carefully use the air conditioner.
FIA Foundation Environment Director Sheila Watson said: “The global policy agenda on fuel economy quite rightly looks at how governments and individuals can work together. EcoDrive plays an important part in this, people need to know what they can do to conserve fuel and lessen their impact on the environment.”
The event, which explored successful eco-driving practices from around the world, was held to make preparations for the main International Transport Forum taking place in Leipzig in May 2008. The IEA will also use findings from the meeting in drawing up its set of recommendations for next year’s G8 Summit.