PORTLAND, Ore. — Detroit Connect, Daimler Trucks North America’s suite of connected vehicle services, said Tuesday it has taken the connected vehicle experience to the “next level.” Third party telematics service providers can now be integrated into the Detroit Connect platform.
The proprietary Detroit Connect platform, exclusive to the Freightliner new Cascadia, was designed to allow the services of third-party providers to be supported via the platform, providing customers the flexibility to work with the partner of their choice as well as eliminating the need to install additional hardware. Another added benefit is the integrated services will also be factory installed, which should help reduce the time it takes customers to in-service their vehicles, according to Jason Krajewski, director of connectivity for Daimler Trucks North America.
“Integrating the services of third-party providers onto our Detroit Connect platform is a real game-changer,” Krajewski said. “It provides us the ability to expand our capabilities and push the bounds of the connected vehicle experience.”
Krajewski said Detroit Connect has collaborated with Zonar to deepen the connectivity services offered on the Detroit Connect platform. Zonar will be the first telematics service provider integrated onto the Detroit Connect platform, further strengthening the partnership between Detroit Connect and Zonar.
Starting in April, Zonar offerings will be available on the Detroit Connect Platform allowing customers to access Zonar’s patented telematics technologies, including Ground Traffic Control (GTC), Zonar’s web-based fleet management solution without having to install additional hardware on the vehicle.
“Our long-term relationship with Zonar has already led to significant advancements in the connectivity solutions we offer,” Krajewski said. “Through our partnership, we’ll continue to develop services that will blend our vehicle expertise with Zonar’s proficiency in fleet management solutions.”
DTNA and Zonar’s partnership began in 2011, when the companies collaborated to bring Detroit Connect Virtual Technician to market. In 2015, DTNA became a minority investor in Zonar to continue its industry leadership in telematics services.
“We are honored to have jointly developed Zonar products on the Detroit Connect platform,” said Gary Schmidt, vice president of business solutions at Zonar. “We will continue to collaborate on future telematics services, through our ongoing partnership, toward a joint vision of providing fleets with connected systems that deliver actionable insights, and improve safety, maintenance, and efficiency throughout the trucking industry.”
The Detroit Connect suite of connected vehicle services also includes Detroit Connect Virtual Technician, Analytics and Remote Updates, which now includes firmware over-the-air updates.
“Ultimately, our goal is to drive new solutions that will help shape and evolve the way customers’ interact with the vehicle while at the same time enhancing the customer experience,” Krajewski said.
For more information on Detroit Connect, go to www.DemandDetroit.com.
For more information on Zonar, go to www.zonarsystems.com.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
