Fiat's green technology has been recognised at an industry awards ceremony.
The car maker's eco:Drive system has scooped the Special Award from Auto Express at the company's New Car Awards 2009 for its ability to help preserve the environment.
Eco car insurance policyholders whose vehicles are fitted with the technology will be aware that the system works by allowing drivers to download a record of their motoring style from the car to the computer via a USB stick.
Upon plugging the stick into the computer, motorists can view various tips on how they can reduce their carbon footprint further.
Auto Express commented that the system measures CO2 output and fuel use to calculate a driver's economy. The advice it gives afterwards has helped some motorists to enhance their performance by up to 15 per cent just by altering their habits behind the wheel.
"This innovative product is designed to improve economy and reduce CO2 output, but the system also helps to cut fuel bills - and in the current economic climate, that's something everyone can appreciate," the firm stated.
According to the judges, the system is currently being used by around 40,000 Fiat drivers, saving more than 910,000 kilograms of CO2.
Motorists who use the technology can also become part of Fiat's online environmentally-friendly community entitled eco:Ville.
Members use the portal to swap ideas and feedback on the system, which the firm responded to by launching four new improved versions of eco:Drive.
The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are
not those of the BGL Group