April/May 2002

Truck makers in big telematics move

Truck manufacturers have identified telematics as a key area for winning sales, and are increasingly offering integrated packages on their trucks. This year's CV Show bristled with innovations.

DaimlerChrysler has dropped the Mercedes-Benz dedicated Fleetboard telematics system first introduced in 1996 on Mercedes Benz Actros tractors, and replaced it with the all-makes VeMIS Logistics system (see above).

 

Volvo's Dynafleet II is now available in an Internet-based version that allows operators to access all the vehicle data in their fleet and download reports on driver and vehicle performance.

Scania's fleet management system can now include a Casio Cassiopeia Pocket PC for the driver. Very attractive.

MAN Telematic Services offers direct connection to MAN's breakdown recovery network and street-level mapping as standard.

Iveco has introduced telematics on its new Stralis range. Its vehicle data interface (VDI) can be retrofitted to any Iveco truck with the company's electronic Cursor engine.

Renault has updated its Infomax communications and software. Data from the V-Mac vehicle management system can now be downloaded via the Euteltracs satellite tracking system.

DAF expects to have its own telematics system available by the end of this year. In the meantime, it is collaborating with Siemens VDO Trading to provide location and communications capability.