Ford’s Econetic and Transit models will now have gear change alerts when changing gear to indicate the optimal time to change to save fuel.

The new technology will be included as standard on the Fiesta and Mondeo Econetic models, as well as all Transit diesels. The Focus Econetic will be fitted with the system from early 2009.

Tim Winstanley, Ford diesel engine manager, said: “Many drivers could improve their fuel economy significantly by changing gear earlier.

"The indicator provides drivers with a helpful aid to using less fuel and encourages a smoother driving style.”