April/May 2003

Four leading European truck manufacturers, Iveco, MAN ERF, Scania and Volvo, have issued a joint warning to operators that telematics systems not fitted in accordance with their requirements could invalidate vehicle warranties, and could potentially affect residual values and buy-back arrangements.

They say third-party telematics equipment must be fitted in full compliance with individual bodybuilding manuals, and make specific mention of installing antennas in vehicle roofs and connecting equipment to a vehicle's electrical supply.

Where vehicles use a CANbus electronic system, they add that third-party equipment must be approved by the vehicle manufacturers for use on specific models, and vehicles must be equipped with an appropriate manufacturer's FMS standard (firewall) interface to protect the CANbus from possible corruption.

The move is believed to have been sparked by disputes involving individual operators, telematics suppliers and manufacturers. Daf appears to be holding back from full endorsement, but in some respects DaimlerChrysler takes an even firmer line than the others.

 

The makers say approval will be given willingly to complying products, but some independent telematics providers are still worried that truckmakers are trying to cut them out of the market. Derek Beevor of Road Tech Computer Systems has called the plan "a blatant attempt to ring-fence the business".