Help Improve Fuel Economy with Eco-Driving Training Videos
Most drivers can get 10% to 25% better fuel economy in the car they currently own - simply by making subtle changes to the way they drive. We want to produce new driver-training videos we call "clinics" which will clearly demonstrate these safe and efficient driving techniques - free to everyone.
Simply put, tags are keywords used to identify an idea. Just click on one of the tags below to find like-minded ideas.
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Q1: Please review the idea, visit the site and evaluate the execution of the idea so far - and offer comments, criticisms, suggestions, etc. You can click the "Test Drive" link to see the application part of the site w/o having to sign-up. (Of course, please sign-up if interested in using the site yourself!) I'm also seeking alpha-testers for new functionality to test before releasing it to the site for beta-testing, you can send me an email if you'd like to participate.
http://www.fuelclinic.com
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by DerekJohnson
06.03.09 | 03:58 PMGreat to meet you and thanks for the comments about my blog. I love the idea, have you checked into white labeling this for big organizations that have a lot of cars? Could be an interesting selling vertical for you.
- Derek
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by DocMiles
06.03.09 | 04:23 PMDerek - there are plans for a commercial version - with additional fleet management tools, reports, training, etc. All the big boys have multi-million dollar custom solutions from SAP, etc... it's the "little" fleets that need FuelClinic. I'm using the public site to flesh out the technology and ideas. It will always remain free and available to people who want to manage up to 5 or so vehicles - and who don't need/want the extra reporting and driver management capabilities the small business fleets do. Thanks for your feedback and your vote!
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11.24.08 | 10:56 PMI agree with msf2 that you need an incentive to bring people back to the site to keep tracking their progress after they've came and got the tips on the first visit. Maybe you could have a feature that tracks how much the person saves and encourage them to start a new bank account and put the money they save into it. This could help them save money for christmas or for a vacation and would give them an incentive to drive smarter and come back to the site and log results.
Here is a fuel saving site that use specific dollar examples:
http://fuelsavingguide.info/
You can look at their sources and also check out AAA's website, they will probably have good information on this subject too.
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by msf211.12.08 | 02:58 PMThe website looks great. I do have one comment: what incentive is there for people to keep coming back to the site? Right now, unless you already know people in the community or unless you are very passionate about the idea, you have no reason to return after you get the advice.
I would look into making applications for other sites such as facebook or google. Go to the places where people already are and bring the service to them.
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by Storm11.11.08 | 03:16 PMBased on the response that you have been getting along with looking at your site I believe that you have struck a good chord here. I know that over the last few months there has been alot of media coverage about "hyper-milers" who have been able to squeeze great mileage out of their vehicles so there may be some kinds of linkages that you could explore there.
I also saw a report recently stating that Ford will be equipping some of their vehicles with a "Programmable Teen Key" (not the exact name but close), which allows parents to program the computers on these cars for their teenage drivers. The key will limit top speeds, volume for radios, bluetooth for cell phones and lane avoidance warnings. There may be a way to look for some type of strategic partnership here as well.
Finally, insurance companies may also be potential partners down the road. Especially those that offer discounts for safe driving, etc. Using your service could be advantageous to them. Good Luck
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by arces5611.06.08 | 05:37 PMSounds like a really good idea. There are millions of americans everyday driving around with unaccounted mileage and usage of their actual fuel consumption. Your site's technology sounds like a really great system for people to start being more mindful in how they drive and use there gas.
However one question I had was if you had any green fuel organization interest in your idea. It would be a really good thing if you could find some bigger companies that could help get your name out there. This would not only increase your profits but your customer's awareness about your idea as well.
This was one site I stumbled across while searching
http://www.business.com/directory/energy_and_environment/alternative_energy/alternative_transportation_fuels/organizations/
Another thing I thought of was helpful hints you could offer as reminders to drivers as they drive in their cars down the highway. Make a printable little sheet that could go in the dash of a car that drivers could print out from your site and have it to remember as there going down t…morehe road. Like, gas easier, break easier. Things like that.
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by DocMiles
11.06.08 | 01:39 PMBuscan1 - the site has been "live" since May, and has been a "smoldering success"... but has yet to break out. I do have many "regulars" who use it every week or so to maintain their records, and grow by a few new users per day. Thanks for the links re: beta testing - I'll do some investigating...
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by buscan1
11.06.08 | 12:27 PMWow, what a great website. You have already got a fully functioning website with an attractive professional look. I am not sure how long you have been up and running, but I'm sure that overtime as word spreads around that your site will be visited quite frequently.
Especially with the way people are concerned about spending money on gas as well as being green. I would definitely use this site as one of my resources to find out about fuel news as well as gas saving tips. There are so many myths and rumors about what uses more gas and what doesn't, this will be nice to clear some of that up.
I found a few places where you can go to get people to beta-test your site to help with development and official release: http://www.betabreakers.com/?gclid=CJiF_f6W4ZYCFQWcnAodViSwPA
https://www.alertsite.com/aslp_perf_mon4.html?ascamp=web+site+monitoring&gclid=CL2WhJWX4ZYCFRJ4xgod70oPPw&redirect=1&source_type=PPC&source=www.google.com&kw=website+testers&ascamp=web+site+monitoring&asadgr=undefined
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What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
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by CMC11.12.08 | 11:08 AMI'd be interested in university student organizations' responses to this. At my school, we have a number of green student groups from earth activists to environmental engineers. You're right by UFl and I know they at least have a AWMA group there. Plus you're sure to find other applicable groups by searching through student organizations. At my school, I'm sure these groups would be interested in attending a seminar held by you and holding a forum afterwards for discussion on its place on campus.
http://www.ees.ufl.edu/directory/orgs/studentorgs.asp
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by jhsteve11.10.08 | 12:02 PMWow! Impressive, enthusiastic responses. Appears you've struck a cord within a broad market segment. The advice about going mobile appears to be particularly relevant and ought to be a priority. Consider sending a note to Jason Grumet, President-elect Obama's energy advisor. Mr. Grument has stated that the new administration is very interested in consumer involvement in controlling vehicle fuel consumption. Here's a recent quote from Jason, "No one in my political life has found the voice to summon that kind of self-awareness, in terms of our personal consumption, in a political context -- people jokingly deride Jimmy Carter for trying to do it during the 1970s energy crisis. I personally think Americans are ready and yearning to be called upon to be part of broader collective solutions...I do believe [President-elect] Obama has the interest and the ability to motivate the country to appreciate that solving the problem is going to require more than just fancy new gadgets." Sounds as if the "pump is primed" for new ideas and all it would cost is an email.
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by greenlawn8611.10.08 | 11:26 AMIf I were you, I would discuss a corporate sponsorship with your team. It may be in the best interest of a few American automobile manufacturers to sponsor environmental initiatives such as this. They are looking for all of the good press that they can get, and a marketing strategy such as this could greatly affect the scaling of your business while also giving their brand name a bit of rejuvenation. There are problems with this idea, but I think it is something that you should look into.
As far as the website, I think you should pour as much money as possible into it. It is your "store" and just like physical space, cyber space transactions can depend on how comfortable the customer is with your website. I would also look for some publicity by contacting other websites with high traffic, such as treehugger, lime, and other environmentally conscious websites. Here is a link to a few.
http://www.treehugger.com/
http://www.lime.com/
I would also look for an endorsement from a number of environmental organizations, like the sierra club or greenpeace…more. If you choose this route, you must be careful and weigh the cost and benefit of association.
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by DocMiles
11.07.08 | 12:31 PMEppi - an OUTSTANDING idea! :)
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by Eppi11.07.08 | 11:43 AMDon't ignore older Americans, especially the huge boomer generation, many of whom are very technology savy. Most boomers have lost lots of retirement and investment money recently, and are hungry for money saving ideas that will help keep them active and mobile. AARP reaches millions of people 50+ through website (AARP.org) and monthly magazine (AARPmagazine.org). November's issue headlines with "Gas-Saving Tip of the Month." Worth your while to check it out and tap into this widespread resource. I'll keep on the lookout for other possibilities. Good Luck!!!!
Eppi
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by AuntB11.06.08 | 08:16 PMI think it would be a good idea to approach car rental agencies, such as Hertz,
Avis, Budget etc. You might consider marketing your idea to corporations that
have volume vehicles, such as trucking companies, moving companies, mail
trucks, bus companies, UPS and other government agencies. The potential is huge. Another thought would be to promote your idea to power boat companies, such as the Bay Lady that tours the Baltimore Harbor and the Annapolis Cruise Ship. I' m sure the Taxi Cab Companies would benefit also. Good Luck Mike !
Aunt B.
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by arces5611.06.08 | 05:42 PMAnother idea might be to start talking to different car companies. Most of them are all on the path to creating more environmentally friendly cars however, alot of them could probably use more materials on ways consumers can safe there gas.
The program you came up with has alot of marketability behind it. I could see alot of companies wanting to implement that kind of technology into their vehicles eventually down the road. A gas gauge just doesn't cut it when compared to more advanced products like yours.
Again, keep trying to think of different ways to expand, either online or with different companies. Eventually,one door has to open. Good luck.
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by beakerb09
11.06.08 | 03:48 PMSince conservation is a hot topic right now, getting a write-up about your site in environmental publications and online would help you reach a larger audience. Partnering with student driving programs could also boost name recognition while possibly grabbing some media attention. Perform workshops at schools and universities to demonstrate the benefits you can receive just by altering your driving habits. Online networking sites like Facebook and Myspace are great tools to advertise as well.
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by DocMiles
11.06.08 | 01:37 PMWow - good feedback so soon! Buscan1 - thank you for the advice, I do have a Facebook page, and have been bugging everyone in my network to pass the website around to their friends! I wonder how much longer I can do that before they decide to begin blocking me... :) Gr33n4lif3 - there is a mobile interface and a Twitter interface in develoment currenty. Going mobile is my #1 request from users.
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by gr33n4lif311.06.08 | 01:24 PMI loved the website - but noticed no mobile version exists? Is that right - or did I miss something? A site like this needs a mobile version - people could input fuel data right from the pump. Otherwise - great idea and good execution so far.
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by buscan1
11.06.08 | 12:28 PMI think that this website will attract a somewhat wide demographic of users, but since the younger generation seems to be the one setting the trends as far as online usage goes, I would think about advertising to college age people. I would do this by setting up banners and advertisements on college community websites like www.facebook.com and www.myspace.com. Once you get them on board, they will tell their parents about it and so on, it will be good.
You could also consider using online car-selling websites as well as auto discussion sites to post your ads as well: http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Section.jsp?section=fuel
http://www.thecarconnection.com/
Idea Description
FuelClinic.com combines easy mileage calculation and record keeping with on-line driver training to create an effective "first response" for our oil problems. Our members learn efficient driving skills they use in their own vehicles, while monitoring progress with our easy online reports.
Now we want to develop driver-training videos called "clinics" to clearly demonstrate the benefits of using these efficient driving techniques. Clinics will teach safe and effective eco-driving skills - and show you the results of our various controlled trials. You will actually see how each skill effects fuel economy.
Learn more @ http://www.fuelclinic.com
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
If we should win the grant, the money will be used immediately to fund the production of several professional driver-training videos needed to complete the project. All of the grant money will be spent with local small businesses and one lucky university student as a paid internship this summer. The videos will be freely and publicly available for the benefit of everyone.
Help us show people how easily they can save real money, cut their oil consumption, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve their level of safety on the road. Please vote for this Idea and help us make a real difference in the world.
Vote for it now.
You like it. You’re confused by it. You want to know more. Ask questions and post comments here.
Post a commentCame acrossed your site this weekend. I'm interested in any ways to save some cash during these economic times. Good luck with your ideas. Getting my vote today!
It seems that our economy needs a lot of improvement nowadays. Our economy is not doing well. Lots of businesses today are facing bankruptcy. Even the giant automaker General Motors is now struggling to keep the business in the industry. Hummer, the controversial brand that General Motors refused to try and discharge after the price of gasoline began to shoot through the ceiling, has been subject of a lot of headlines. Hummer was among the first brands that GM slated for culling after the recession began, with Saturn and Pontiac close behind, but unlike other companies that were simply shuttered, Hummer was able to secure a buyer. It's been announced that Sichuan Tenzhong, or Sichuan Tenzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co will purchase the brand with some quick cash to the rescue. The c…moreompany manufactures heavy machinery in China, and this means debt consolidation for Hummer and a good deal for Sichuan Tenzhong. Read more on this site: http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/06/02/sichuan-tenzhong-buys-hummer-gm-files-bancruptcy/.>
Add your member stats as a running ticker on home page of site. Love the ideas of working with insurance companies and starting a new bank account just for fuelclinic savings. Put the account in your prospective-driver teen's name and make him/her responsible for maintenance to help promote safe and economic future driving.
You have a plan now all you need is money, I don’t know if my idea on how to raise money for a startup businesses would help you but please read it anyway" and vote for it if you like it because I'm doing well in the competition this week http://www.ideablob.com/ideas/4060-Fund-your -idea.com thank you Jackie Marsh
I like your idea; I want to improve your odds of getting funding I will vote for your idea if you will vote for mine. My idea is for a web site that raises money for inventors and entrepreneurs called New Idea website Check out my idea blob submission and visit New Idea Website and see what I can do for you. http://www.ideablob.com/ideas/4060-NEW-IDEA-WEBSITE The need for jobs is one of the biggest problems that a democratic government faces because creating jobs is an unwanted byproduct of business and industry. The reason I say its unwanted is the more jobs a business creates the more its expenses are and the smaller it’s bottom-line. If business and industry have their way they would run their companies with no jobs at all no management or labor. To deal with this dilemma I pr…moreopose a federal venture capital carrot fund that literally pays entrepreneurs to create jobs. The investment bank would be expected invest in seed level startup projects like yours and to lose money at a specified dollar per jobs ratio for example during hard times that figure may be as high as $20,000 per job and good times the figure may be as low as five dollars per job, by controlling this ratio the fed could roughly control unemployment. The bank will be expected to fund novel products and services and stay away from things like restaurants that will simply draw jobs from other restaurants or moving factories from one part of the country to another. If you like this idea vote for it and send the congressional letter from the website. Sincerely Frank Scruggs
Wow - so many great idaes already. I am keeping track of all of them in my "change request" spreadsheet - and will be exploring each of them. Thanks for taking the time to add your advice.
For more information about the concept and website, please visit the related blog "Fuelishness!" at: ( http://blog.fueclinic.com ) and if you like this idea - please vote for it here!