Car toys to make drivers eco-friendly and energy-efficient

If knowledge is power, then greater fuel efficiency has to be King. In today's hustle and bustle, everyone in their own cars driving to their jobs without even looking to the carpool lane, conserving fuel is a tricky matter. So, Ford has announced they will be installing SmartGauge with EcoGuide instruments in the Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, coming in 2010. And while that might seem a bit to the future, it's only because Ford wants this new gadget to be the way of the future.

The SmartGauge provides real-time information on the hybrids' fuel economy and allows drivers to select what level of detail they want displayed. From a short easy to check "Inform," which shows fuel level and battery change status, to "Enlighten, "Engage" and "Empower," each level adds more information on the car. But the best part is how long-term fuel efficiency is displayed, either as a chart or as a growing forest which gets thicker with each efficiency increase. And it compares the current trip with older trips, making it easy for drivers to adjust their speed.

And the iPhone is already taking notice, catapulting this small idea into a must-have application comes 2010. The application measures speed, fuel consumption and gas prices, helping drivers reduce their carbon footprint as they're more aware of their energy and gas output.

To learn more about the gadgets and watch a video click here.