European customers to save 21 m litres of fuel and reduce carbon emissions
London, 31st May 2011: GE Capital has launched a new, eco-driving product into the European fleet market to help change driving behaviour and save millions in fuel bills and tonnes of CO2 emissions. Called Clear Drive[i] (www.gecleardrive.com), the product promotes safer, cleaner and cost-effective driving through a comprehensive series of eco-driving web-based tutorials and e-alerts. The tool also allows fleet directors to view the fuel consumption of their entire fleet, by business sector, geographical region, country or individual vehicle.
GE Capital estimates that the new tool could help its European fleet customers to:
- Save more than €25 million in fuel costs each year
- Reduce fuel consumption by 21 million litres
- Slash 55,531 tonnes of CO2 emissions[ii]
"Fuel costs represent 20% of the total cost of ownership of a company car and car usage represents 25% of all global carbon emissions. As a result the need for fleet managers to control and monitor fuel usage has never been greater," said Arthur Mathysen-Gerst, Managing Director of Pan-European Fleet for GE Capital.
Eco-driving techniques have a significant impact in reducing fuel costs and improving drivers' behaviour on the road. Clear Drive's 30 minute web-based tutorials provide fleet drivers with effective tips, including anticipating traffic, monitoring tyre pressure and efficient braking. Selecting the right gear, for example, can save 30 per cent of fuel consumption. Once the training is complete, drivers are regularly updated with seasonal e-alerts.
"The benefits of eco-driving are not just limited to companies or maximising fuel-economy," added Arthur Mathysen-Gerst. "Improving driving behaviour increases safety, reduces drivers' stress levels and lowers running costs and insurance premiums for drivers personally as well as the businesses they work for. Not only that, these actions can have a dramatic impact on the environment too."
[i] Clear Drive is a registered Trade Mark of GE Capital
[ii] The data is based on a report by GE Capital's fleet consultancy experts, Key Solutions. The data accounts for all GE Capital fleet customers across Europe, and assumes that the eco-driving tips included in Clear Drive would save on average 5% of fuel consumption.
Michael Goodbody
GE Capital EMEA
[email protected]
+44-207-302-6269
+44-7899-808-239