With a new cluster display, drivers will find it easier than ever to see how their car is using fuel, and improve fuel efficiency A Truly Smart Gauge Want better gas mileage? These days, who doesn’t? Company officials recently announced that Johnson Controls will supply the all-new SmartGauge with EcoGuide product for vehicles produced by Ford Motor Company. This innovative, reconfigurable instrument cluster provides real-time information to help drivers achieve maximum fuel efficiency. It is only available from automakers that use Johnson Controls’ automotive solutions in their vehicles.

Johnson Controls helped develop this new, first-of-its-kind product and soon will manufacture it for 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid sedans.

The SmartGauge adds two reconfigurable liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, with one on each side of the center-mounted analog speedometer gauge, which is highlighted in an ice-blue halo. The 4.3-inch color thin-film transistor LCD displays offer a rich array of graphics and animation.

Upon entering the vehicle, the display presents “wake-up” and “introduction” screens to welcome a driver. The product contains a “Dealer Demonstration” mode to introduce the system to potential customers and a tutorial mode to assist vehicle owners in daily driving.

Friendly and Easy to Use
The cluster is easy to navigate by using ergonomic switches on the vehicle’s steering wheel. Drivers can customize their instrument cluster by choosing from four data screens to attain whatever information level they wish.

All levels show current fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer readings, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and how many miles remain until the car’s fuel runs out.

The vehicle’s long-term fuel efficiency can be displayed two ways, either as a traditional chart or using an innovative display that shows “growing leaves and vines” on the right side of the cluster. The more efficient a driver is, the more lush, green and beautiful the leaves and vines, creating a visual reward for the driver’s efforts.