In its continuous commitment towards the environment, FIAT announced the introduction of the ß (pilot) version of the new “ecoDrive” software (which can be downloaded free of charge from www.fiat.com/ecodrive). This software, which is aimed at helping the driver establish eco-friendly driving patterns, can be installed and experienced on the FIAT 500 or Grande Punto (equipped with Blue&Me), which are already available for the local market, thanks to FIAT’s representatives in Malta, UCIM.
Environmental concern in the automotive industry is becoming without any doubt one of the most important drivers for the product development strategies. In a business environment of always stricter regulations on cars emissions, it is fundamental to rapidly develop technological improvements that allow a sustainable growth of our business in a tougher competitive scenario. FIAT has always been committed to develop environmental friendly vehicles. Today that commitment is stronger than ever and, as a result of that, FIAT has launched its own Eco Strategy.
FIAT keeps representing the lowest average CO2 emission (134.2 g/km) amongst the ten top selling brands in Europe. In order to consolidate and exploit this outstanding result FIAT is undertaking many interesting initiatives concerning ecology, some of which were presented at the “Paris Motor Show”.
Francesca Mamo, Managing Director of UCIM stated that this is another tangible commitment from FIAT to retain its leading role in the environment. In addition to safety-related regulation, environmental protection has become increasingly important to the automotive industry. FIAT has always focused on the aspects of safety and environment, in so much to become the leaders in the category.
Nicholas Bilocca, Sales Manager of FIAT said that “this innovative software allows the customer to acquire data from the cars and transfer them into the PC via a regular USB key. Through the analysis of the data it is then possible to understand the driving behaviour of the customer and give active recommendations in order to drive environmental-friendly, reducing CO2 emissions and saving money in fuel. The system is extremely user friendly and we strongly encourage clients to visit the website and try the ecoDrive for themselves. They will be positively surprised”.
In the meantime, it has been announced that a totally new brand called “PURO2” will identify the versions of 500, G.Punto, Bravo and Croma with the lowest emissions of carbon dioxide. These versions will be equipped with specific technological contents developed to minimise the ecological impact of the vehicles.
PURO2 will be launched with a version of the FIAT 500 1.2 petrol which will be equipped with “Start & Stop” system and “ecoDriveTM”, achieving with that lower fuel consumption and emissions of only 115 CO2 g/km.
This Start & Stop technology automatically switches off the engine when the car is at a stand, this means zero emissions and zero fuel consumption at red traffic lights for instance. As soon as the clutch pedal is pushed or the brake pedal is released (MTA engines) the motor starts up immediately without any impact in the drivability thanks to the electronic control and the specific Starter Motor which starts the engine particularly quickly and quietly. The system will then be available on other engines and models in 2009.
This year there will also be introduced PURO2 versions of Bravo1.6 90/105 hp and Croma 1.9 120hp equipped with specific Eco packs and G.Punto 1.3 Mjet MTA at the beginning of 2009.