Many people have predicted the demise of the stand alone GPS. They’re predicting that the smartphone GPS will replace the likes of the stand alone GPS. Of course that didn’t stop GPS mainstays Garmin, Tom Tom and Magellan from presenting at this years International CES. There were also several other pop up stand alone GPS units that looked like the standard GPS units found at any big box retailer.

A Spanish company called Vexia has introduced a new GPS unit that’s definitely capturing the attention of many. Their new EcoNav GPS is actually environmentally friendly. It’s not made out of biodegradable cardboard or anything like that. However, it serves up directions that are meant to reduce drivers’ fuel consumption by up to one third.

How does it do this you ask?

EcoNav gives drivers information on the most economical routes to take. It also suggests which gear to use and even how firmly to accelerate.

Econav is both simple and intuitive.  The product calculates and then communicates to the driver in real time both the appropriate vehicle gear selection and the optimal travel speed for conditions while providing warnings for excessive acceleration or braking.  These reports help the driver monitor his or her progress, resulting in dramatically greater fuel-efficient trips.

“The idea behind this product is the fact that you’re purchasing a satellite navigation system, equipped with all the usual features such as GPS, but you’re also getting their customized Econav technology built in,” said Nilo García, CEO of Crambo S. A., parent company of Vexia. “You input the details – type of vehicle, type of fuel and occupancy level – and Econav helps you save money on fuel, cuts your carbon emissions, analyzes various route options and provides an eco-related readout of the potential cost and cost savings, both to the driver and the environment.”

Econav Technology has been tested by several European Union institutions including the prestigious University of Alcalá (Madrid-Spain).  The product has also earned numerous professional accolades including European Telematics Product Innovation Green Excellence Award 2009  (Frost & Sullivan), Gold Medal 2009 (International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva), The Best Product 2009 (On OFF Magazine), the Best GPS 2009 (by Xataka).  Econav was also among the finalists of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2009 given by the European Commission.

No word on when the EcoNav will reach the US. Find out more here.