Earthrise Technologies , a subsidiary of the Digisec Group, and Telenor Connexion , the machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity provider, have partnered to deploy Digisec's eco navigation product, Eco-Way, using Telenor (News - Alert) Connexion's global wireless connectivity solution for telematics applications.

The companies will deploy eco-navigation devices in North America, and also have plans to expand in Europe and other international markets.

The Digisec Group will be the supplier of eco-driving and eco-navigation systems to the global automotive industry, and in so doing will help motorists save money, drive safer, and protect the environment, help nations around the world substantially reduce dependencies on petroleum, and help mankind fight global warming.

The Eco-Way is a portable navigation device with an electrical interface that connects to the diagnostics bus within a vehicle, enabling it to collect real-time engine and performance data. The Eco-Way processes this information and displays in real-time MPG and CO2 per mile in a Prius-like display.

Eco-Way also calculates an "Eco-Score" telling that informs the driver about the degree to which their driving is eco-friendly. Vehicle and driver performance information is sent via Telenor Connexion's global GPRS network to the TSP's fleet management database for fleet operators to review vehicle and driver performance statistics and vehicle maintenance information. It allows drivers to see in real-time how their driving behaviour affects gas mileage and CO2 emissions so they can make improvements.

This system has the ability to provision, manage and support thousands of remote, internet-connected eco-navigation devices, on a global basis, and ensure reliable capture and presentation of critical data, and make immediate notification of any vehicle faults or problems. This capability is provided through Telenor Connexion's comprehensive global telematics connectivity solution.

Studies have shown that drivers who practice eco-friendly driving can boost fuel efficiency by as much as 25 percent. Eco-Way not only displays fuel rate in MPG, and CO2 emissions in Carbon Per Mile, but also advises the driver as to whether they are accelerating or braking too fast or too slow, thereby helping the driver to follow the optimum fuel efficiency profile for their vehicle.

Equally important, a poorly maintained engine can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 10-20 percent. Proper, balanced tire inflation is makes a huge impact on fuel efficiency also. Eco-Way's Check Vehicle feature runs a test which informs the driver of any on-going problems.

Scheduled and proactive maintenance can greatly improve fuel mileage. Eco-Way alerts drivers to unsystematic maintenance issues that should be addressed proactively; as well, Eco-Way tracks and reminds us of routine maintenance that should be regularly scheduled.

With Eco-Way, drivers can improve their gas mileage and reduce carbon emissions by 45 percent or more.