Nov/Dec 2004

Max Telematics, a relative newcomer to the world of telematics and tracking, has recruited Lincoln Townley to the role of sales director. He was formerly group sales director at fast-growing rival Masternaut.

Max (actually Maximilian Telematics) aims to cover three broad categories of product - vehicle tracking and location, stolen vehicle recovery and satellite navigation. Also included is job scheduling, in which delivery details are transmitted to the driver's PDA.

The company is emphasising its low prices, for instance offering a tracking package at £5.40 a week (this on a five-year lease). However, in a market increasingly characterised by long-term pay-as-you-go contracts, Max emphasises that all its products are also available for outright purchase.

Meanwhile, Masternaut has recruited Charles Hewson from IBM as operations director. At IBM he headed major IT and corporate transformation projects.