Mack announces telematics upgrade for mDrive automated transmission

Updated Mar 20, 2015

image002Expanding its commitment to enhancing Uptime Solutions for customers, Mack Trucks announced today that Mack GuardDog Connect, the proactive integrated telematics system, will monitor critical fault codes for Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmissions.

Critical fault codes are those that signify a major issue which could result in a vehicle being out of operation. GuardDog Connect will begin monitoring mDRIVE and Mack’s newest version of the automated manual transmission, the mDRIVE HD, in April.

“Mack’s commitment to Uptime extends well beyond offering support should a truck go down,” said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Through our GuardDog Connect proactive telematics solution, we can identify a problem while the truck is still up and running, allowing the customer to get the vehicle in for service before a potential breakdown would occur. Extending this service to mDRIVE is just another example of our industry-leading Uptime Solutions that combine technology with 24/7 live support.”

GuardDog Connect for mDRIVE and mDRIVE HD will be available for model year 2016 vehicles equipped with OBD (onboard diagnostics) 2015 emissions controls.

Mack GuardDog Connect has been standard on the Mack Pinnacle, Mack Granite and Titan by Mack models since 2013, and beginning in April for Mack TerraPro concrete pumpers. GuardDog Connect monitors fault codes that could potentially shut down a truck or lead to an unplanned visit to the dealer. GuardDog Connect enables quick diagnosis of issues, proactive scheduling for repairs and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job. GuardDog Connect is managed through Mack’s Uptime Center, newly opened in Greensboro, N.C. Personnel from every customer support function are located in the Uptime Center, connecting them to Mack customers and dealers with the latest telematics, communications and case management tools, enabling cross-functional teams to quickly interact face-to-face when necessary to keep a truck on the road.

mDRIVE is currently standard in the Mack Pinnacle model, and mDRIVE HD is standard as of March orders in the Mack Granite and Titan by Mack models.