Car drivers across western USA, and particularly in California, have been urged to drive in a more eco-friendly fashion to save cash and the environment - and now the EcoDriving programme has received support from some of the leading car manufacturers.

Ten car manufacturers - BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen - have offered their support to the EcoDriving programme as Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Governor of California, and Bill Ritter, Governor of Colorado, work with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers to promote the scheme.

The idea behind the scheme is to encourage motorists to take practical steps to reduce their fuel consumption and aid the environment. This includes avoiding tailgating, accelerating and braking properly, inflating tyres to maximum pressure and driving at the optimum speed.

It is estimated that by following these steps, drivers could reduce their fuel consumption by as much as 15 per cent. In California alone, where there are 32.5million cars on the road, this could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 23million tonnes.

To help promote the scheme, the ten car manufacturers have declared September a ‘free green check-up’ month across the USA.

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