A GPS device developed by a Japanese trucking firm to save on fuel cost and teach safe driving pattern to its drivers is being adopted by other companies in Japan for its business-friendly features.

Toward Logistics Co. (TLC) based in Yoshinogari, Saga Prefecture also created a new business of selling and leasing the Eco-Sam it developed in 2000.

The Eco-Sam records a vehicle's speed and distance traveled using Global Positioning System (GPS). The recorded data can be transferred to a computer, to show the driving performance and a corresponding ideal driving curve calculated by the device. When the driver follows the suggested driving pattern, the result is efficient use of fuel and less rear-end collision.

TLC's use of the device resulted in $642,000 (50 million yen) reduction if insurance and fuel cost annually.

A securities company in Tokyo and a pharmaceutical wholesale company in Fukuoka Prefecture and a construction company in Yoshinogari are among 30 companies now using the device since TLC started selling and leasing it last fall.

The Saga Prefecture government is also lending the device for free to seven companies, including a trash collection business, to reduce fuel use and thus carbon dioxide emissions.

TLC is leasing the Eco-Sam for less than $17 (1,300 yen) each per month on a five-year contract.

"The cost of installing the device will fully be covered by improved fuel efficiency," Asahi.com quoted Shoji Tomoda, head of Toward Logistics' Eco-drive division, as saying.