Commercial Fleets Can Reduce Fuel Consumption up to 24% With SmartDrive's Instant Driver Feedback According to SmartDrive Fuel Economy Study

SAN DIEGO, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartDrive Systems, a leader in fleet safety and operational efficiency, today announced at FedFleet 2011 in Orlando, FL, the findings of an ongoing study which show that commercial fleets can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 24% by employing more fuel-efficient driving techniques, eliminating unnecessary idling and reducing excessive speeds.

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"As government fleet managers from across the country meet today in Orlando to discuss ways to reduce fuel consumption amid shrinking budgets, SmartDrive is introducing its latest research on improving fuel consumption with its innovative driving intelligence platform," noted SmartDrive President Jason Palmer.

The SmartDrive Commercial Fleet Fuel Consumption study has analyzed the fuel consumption rates of more than 1,000 commercial drivers in industries including waste hauling, transit, public transportation, and food and beverage delivery.

Three Primary Fuel Wasters

The SmartDrive Fuel Consumption Study draws on real-time fuel use data -- accurate to within few hundreths of an ounce per second -- from the vehicle's engine computer to calculate fuel savings.  The study examined inefficient driving, unnecessary idling time and excessive speed.  Analysts reviewed data from different vehicle types, with different loads and road conditions, and concluded that commercial fleets that address these three fuel-wasting factors can reduce fuel use by 8-24%, depending on vehicle type and operator driving performance.

The immediate feedback from SmartDrive's Instant Driver Feedback system allows drivers to adjust their driving performance in real-time, promoting eco-driving techniques that the EPA has cited for improved mileage and reduced emissions.

"The 24% fuel reduction that fleets can achieve through eco-driving has a real impact on the bottom line.  With gasoline prices hovering at $4.00 per gallon, that's a dramatic impact to our customer's bottom line.  SmartDrive customers are leading the way, improving operational efficiency and dramatically reducing collisions."

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive delivers innovative solutions that make it easy for fleet managers to improve driver safety and reduce operating cost. SmartDrive records comprehensive video-based data from the road, then thoroughly reviews and scores critical events and recommends action for fleet managers to quickly respond and deliver sustainable savings - all through an easy-to-use managed service. The company has compiled the world's largest storehouse - more than 34 million events - of real-time, risky-driving incidents. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, CA, and employs over 375 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.smartdrive.net.

SOURCE SmartDrive Systems