May/June 2005

Volvo has become the first truckmaker to include GPRS communications as part of the telematics package it offers users. Like other commercial vehicle makers, Volvo previously limited its system to using GSM, but this approach is starting to look old-fashioned in comparison with that of most third-party telematics providers.

Volvo is charging users £45 per month for a single vehicle running its latest system, which includes the company's full Dynafleet reporting package. Should GRPS coverage be poor, the system defaults back to GSM, but there is no extra cost to the operator.

The basic report subscription charge remains at £20 per month. "Our aim is to deliver packages to operators that suit their business needs and have no hidden costs," explains Sharon O'Meara, Dynafleet product manager for Volvo in the UK.