Press Release
Garmin® ecoRoute™ hd transforms your nüvi into a real-time onboard diagnostics computer
OLATHE, Kan./January 5, 2010/Business Wire – Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today introduced ecoRoute hd, an easy-to-install device that transforms your compatible Garmin nüvi into a real-time diagnostics computer that helps you conserve fuel and money through fuel-efficient navigation. ecoRoute hd was announced in conjunction with the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and will be on display at the Garmin booth (#35832, South Hall 4).
“When it comes to fuel conservation and vehicle upkeep, the real-time information provided by ecoRoute hd is the key to being a smarter driver,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Garmin is known around the world for getting you to your destination efficiently, and now you can know how your car is performing every step along the way.”
By accessing onboard diagnostics and performance data through ecoRoute hd, drivers can use a compatible Garmin nüvi to wirelessly monitor real-time vehicle diagnostics for most vehicles while accurately calculating ecoRoute data and driver challenge scores (speed, acceleration, braking, etc.). By simply plugging the ecoRoute hd module into the vehicle’s standardized onboard diagnostics port (OBD II), safely mounting the transmitter clear of vehicle controls and pedals, and completing the easy one-time pairing with nüvi, drivers can start receiving the vital data from their vehicle and run diagnostic checks through nüvi’s intuitive interface before a trip to the auto shop is necessary. Drivers also get more accurate ecoRoute data, making fuel conservation easier than ever, and they can monitor their engine data (including temperature, RPM, emissions) and diagnostics through the Trip Computer screen and customizable Gauges screen. Drivers can then view Diagnostic Trouble Codes – with on-screen descriptions of some error codes – and reset the “check engine” light. ecoRoute hd will be compatible with many current and future nüvi models, including 1260, 1370, 1390, 1490 and 1690.
Real-time data monitored by ecoRoute hd, which has an expected availability date of March 2010 for a suggested retail price of $149.99, includes vital diagnostics such as: • Intake air temperature information • Coolant temperature data • Throttle position and engine load • Intake manifold pressure • Battery and charging system information • Mass airflow rate • Timing advance • Emissions
Introduced by Garmin in 2009, ecoRoute is a free software update that helps drivers conserve money and fuel, easing growing pressures on personal budgets and the environment. In addition to “faster time” and “shorter distance” for route preference, ecoRoute lets nüvi users choose “less fuel” as a routing option as the best way to help save gas and money. Through ecoRoute’s Fuel Report, Mileage Report and fuel-saving tips, drivers can focus on fuel conservation even when they’re not behind the wheel. Fuel Report tracks fuel usage over time, and Mileage Report monitors mileage and fuel usage on a per-trip basis. Drivers can customize their nüvi to fit their vehicle by accessing the “vehicle profile” under ecoRoute in the tools menu. There, you can enter your car’s fuel economy and the current price of gas to help nüvi better calculate your savings. To find out if your nüvi is compatible with ecoRoute through a free, downloadable software update, go to www.garmin.com/ecoroute.
ecoRoute hd is the latest breakthrough from Garmin, which has spent more than 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. To learn more about ecoRoute and Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com and www.garmin.blogs.com.
PDF Pages: 1 2
About Christopher DeMorro
I’ve always been able to beat the EPA ratings in every car/truck/SUV I’ve owned so smart driving really works. And now after the 2008 revamp of the way the EPA figures fuel economy, I can beat it by a lot*.
*Two examples:
1. My wife’s 2009 Impala SS EPA-rated at 16/24 mpg, but we got 29.3 mpg on a recent road trip with two kids and a fully loaded trunk going 70-75.
2. My 2005 stick-shift Pontiac Vibe EPA-rated at 26/33 mpg but I regularly got 41-42 mpg on my mostly highway commute (going at 55 mph speed limit).
I’ve always been able to beat the EPA ratings in every car/truck/SUV I’ve owned so smart driving really works. And now after the 2008 revamp of the way the EPA figures fuel economy, I can beat it by a lot*.
*Two examples:
1. My wife’s 2009 Impala SS EPA-rated at 16/24 mpg, but we got 29.3 mpg on a recent road trip with two kids and a fully loaded trunk going 70-75.
2. My 2005 stick-shift Pontiac Vibe EPA-rated at 26/33 mpg but I regularly got 41-42 mpg on my mostly highway commute (going at 55 mph speed limit).
I don’t think people will choose the most green route as opposed to the quickest. It’s a neat idea though.
I don’t think people will choose the most green route as opposed to the quickest. It’s a neat idea though.
Im curious how this device is different from the “scangauge” (www.scangauge.com) – which has been out for some time now (Iv’e had mine for at least 3 years) – does it make use of GPS info? Or does this device just rely on the OBDII interface like the scangauge? What else does it do?
I mean it would be cool if was user programmable – to like tell you you are on “decline” and when to ‘put vehicle in neutral (coast)’ to save gas – and also tell you when to put the vehicle back into gear when either you are ‘going too slow’ or there is an ‘incline’ – now that would be something.
But apparently Garmin isn’t saying much about the device, but hope it works with diesels, and has more to it that just graphical gauges. From the details here seems like its just a scangauge with new graphical “window dressing” (which would be pretty sad) – guess well have to wait and see what this device can do to see if its worth getting.
Im curious how this device is different from the “scangauge” (www.scangauge.com) – which has been out for some time now (Iv’e had mine for at least 3 years) – does it make use of GPS info? Or does this device just rely on the OBDII interface like the scangauge? What else does it do?
I mean it would be cool if was user programmable – to like tell you you are on “decline” and when to ‘put vehicle in neutral (coast)’ to save gas – and also tell you when to put the vehicle back into gear when either you are ‘going too slow’ or there is an ‘incline’ – now that would be something.
But apparently Garmin isn’t saying much about the device, but hope it works with diesels, and has more to it that just graphical gauges. From the details here seems like its just a scangauge with new graphical “window dressing” (which would be pretty sad) – guess well have to wait and see what this device can do to see if its worth getting.
Interesting, but not really new information. My 86 Mustang 5.0 once got over 30 MPG on a cross country trip, but it only had to keep pace with a rental van loaded with my furniture. It was rated at 24/16 and I normally got 27.5/17.2
OH! Well.
Interesting, but not really new information. My 86 Mustang 5.0 once got over 30 MPG on a cross country trip, but it only had to keep pace with a rental van loaded with my furniture. It was rated at 24/16 and I normally got 27.5/17.2
OH! Well.
I’m not sure about the BMW M3 versus the Prius in a top speed track gas duo. I drove our Prius at 105 MPH for ten minutes, and got 34 MPG on average. Of course it wasn’t on a circular track either. I question this video.