Nissan Motor has unveiled the ECO Pedal, a technology designed to assist drivers to use fuel more efficiently.

The company said that, when the system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelerator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that he could be using more fuel than required.

An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve the driving behavior.

Nissan plans to commercialize the ECO Pedal during 2009. Research conducted by Nissan has shown that by using the system, drivers can improve fuel efficiency by 5% to 10%, depending on driving conditions.

The ECO Pedal system is fed data on the rate of fuel consumption and transmission efficiency during acceleration and cruising, and then calculates the optimum acceleration rate.

Staff Writer, Automotive Business Review.