• USA Today , Wednesday, October 29, 2008 11 AM

Ford plans to announce today that the instrument panels in its 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan gasoline-electric hybrid-power midsize sedans will include electronic display screens on which images of green leaves multiply when the cars are being driven in fuel-efficient fashion, Chris Woodyard reports.

The goal is "to create an emotional connection and 'wow' factor," says Sonya Nematollahi, Ford's engineering supervisor for driver information.

Most hybrids have visual feedback to help drivers get the best mileage, but Ford's icons go beyond the usual lines showing energy flowing to or from the engine or the battery pack.

"Consumers are really hungry for just-in-time info," says Sheryl Connelly, who tracks trends for Ford and carries the futuristic title of "futuring manager."

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