Aug/Sept 2007

Masternaut has been granted Thatcham Category 5 approval for its vehicle tracking system. Thatcham is the shorthand name for the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, and 'Cat 5', as it is known, requires equipment to meet a stringent series of tests.

Masternaut claims to be the first commercial vehicle telematics supplier to secure Cat 5 approval for a full range of vehicles including vans, heavy goods vehicles and plant. Previous suppliers have achieved Cat 5 approval on other bases, though, so the Masternaut development needs to be viewed against that background.

Cat 5 is all about the performance of vehicle security systems in the event of theft, so this development gives a boost to Masternaut's image as a provider of security-based tracking systems alongside its role in fleet management.

A special package is required from Masternaut to qualify for Cat 5 status. It includes a covert telematics unit with an automatic arming and disarming system, and an electronic identification system that recognises approved drivers. The system detects any unauthorised movement and informs drivers and owners, operating through dedicated Cat 5-approved control centres.

 

Only Cat 5-approved vehicles are allowed to be immobilised remotely by having their starter motor disabled.

Any tracking system can theoretically help the police recover stolen vehicles in the event of theft, and Masternaut says its systems have in the past led to the recovery of 'hundreds' of stolen vehicles. However, police are expected to give priority to stolen vehicles with Cat 5-approved tracking systems on board.

The figures seem to speak for themselves. Thatcham says Masternaut vehicles equipped with Cat 5 equipment have seen a one hundred per cent recovery rate. 'All but one vehicle was recovered within two hours,' says vehicle security manager Mike Briggs. He says that Masternaut 'will open up a very significant commercial vehicle market,' and promises 'the ultimate' in vehicle security to users.