ecodriver is New Zealand's only company specialising in fuel economy training courses.  We focus on providing training for companies and organisations of all sizes.  ecodriver training enables drivers to understand and practice the techniques required to maximise the fuel economy potential of their cars.  Our expert tuition is not just a theory course. We teach in-car, providing 1 on 1 guidance in the application of economy driving techniques.

We appreciate that with the current economic climate reducing expenses is a major business strategy for now and the future.  An organisation’s fuel costs are a significant expense, yet they are difficult to reduce.  There are a number of obvious ways to tackle this expense i.e. downsize the fleet, use the vehicles less, etc., but both of these options mean you do less business.  An alternative is to purchase a smaller and/or more fuel efficient fleet.  This of course requires investment that many companies cannot consider at this time.  ecodriver has a solution that has been commonly overlooked.  That is, to train drivers to drive more fuel efficiently.

Automotive manufacturers are continually developing and applying the latest technologies to make every drop of fuel go further.  Automotive manufacturers invest billions of dollars per annum to make small incremental improvements, and are now starting to put trip computers and other instrumentation in their cars to guide the driver; they have realised that the driver is a key factor to improving economy right now.

Driving style and habits can lead to fuel usage that is up to 50% higher than necessary.  American research has shown that no matter how efficient a manufacturer makes a vehicle, the driver still has the ability to cause grossly excessive fuel consumption and that expert training, coaching and education has yielded improved fuel economy figures of between 8 - 50%.  Regardless of whether the vehicle is petrol or diesel powered, the driver skills required to maximise economy are the same.

Research has also shown that the ability to drive economically is hindered by a lack of understanding (knowledge) and a lack of the appropriate skills and techniques. The final factor is the driver’s attitude towards economy.  The current economic situation coupled with employees’ concerns about job security, means that companies or organisations are now in the best position to encourage their drivers to adopt more economical driving practices.  There are three main benefits for this: 1) a reduction in fuel consumption, typically greater than 10% and commonly 15% (some American studies have had individual improvements of 50%), and 2) as emission output is proportional to fuel consumption, emission output reduces by the corresponding amount, and 3) a reduced accident rate; the techniques we employ for economy also foster safe driving habits.