Miyama, Inc. of Japan, started distributing the Eco-Drive Navigation System MHS-01 for commercial vehicles on May 19, 2003. This is the world's first navigation system that automatically analyzes driving performance in real time and advises drivers how to drive in an eco-friendly way and minimize fuel consumption.

The system calculates the performance of the engine in the moving vehicle and factors in road conditions and changes in the vehicle's weight in real time. An Eco-Graph indicator, alarm display, and fuel consumption meter are also installed as part of the system, which instantly calculates optimum eco-driving techniques in order to instruct the driver through a user-friendly display monitor and computer-operated voice. Simultaneously, the system can record the driving data on a memory card for later analysis and compilation into a database, using its exclusive software.

Before commercializing this navigation system, Miyama spent over 2 years doing trial runs with the cooperation of 10 transport companies, and confirmed improvements in fuel efficiency of 20 – 30 percent.

The price of the navigation system, including the main unit, memory card, and evaluation software (Windows version) is 580 thousand yen (about U.S. $4,900). According to the company, this initial cost can be recovered within six to twelve months, given a price for diesel fuel of 65 yen (about U.S. $0.55) per liter, an annual mileage is 72,000 km, and an improvement in fuel efficiency of 30 percent. The Tomen Corp. and Toyota Tsusho Corp., which handle sales of the system, aim to sell a total of 5,000 units during the first fiscal year and 10,000 in the next fiscal year




Posted: 2003/07/19 10:22:52 AM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Energy , Non-manufacturing industry , Transportation