Honda has developed an ecological drive assist system [JP], which will be used in a new Insight hybrid model that is scheduled for release next spring in Japan.

The system is based on three different functions:

- teaching
(a display on the dashboard (“eco guide”) provides visual feedback about the level of fuel efficiency the driver achieves with his or her driving style in order to “teach” drivers how to drive efficiently)

- ECON
( in the ECON mode, the system will take over control of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the air-conditioning and the engine to reduce fuel consumption)

- coaching
( the car’s speedometer changes its color in real time to indicate if the car is driven in a fuel-efficient way)

Honda says they are the first company in the world to combine these three funtions in an integrated drive assist concept.