Sprint on Friday, Jan. 14, announced its involvement in partnerships to provide mobile connectivity with Kenworth Truck Co. and Peterbilt Motors Co. for their respective Kenworth NavPlus and Peterbilt SmartNav proprietary navigation and business technology systems for the companies’ Class 5-8 trucks.
“As the core development partner, Sprint is proud to integrate our advanced network connectivity into Kenworth NavPlus, which will also offer telematics, navigation, diagnostics and business system features,” says Dan Hesse, Sprint chief executive officer, who addressed the Detroit Economic Club. “Sprint is also proud to be the core connectivity partner in the Peterbilt SmartNav integrated mobile computing, telematics, navigation and business system.”
Hesse says Sprint and its partners are driving a transformation in the transportation and logistics arenas that creates significant environmental; safety, business efficiency and cost-saving benefits for companies in a wide variety of industries. Sprint’s Connected Transportation technology is designed to helps companies solve complex challenges by reducing emissions and fuel costs; lowering out-of-route miles; increasing public safety with new in-vehicle systems, connected police cars and ambulances; supporting energy/smart grid technologies; and helping reduce distracted driving by making fleet operators aware of reckless driving behavior.
“Navigation and business systems will be provided with our advanced 3G and 4G networks for drivers to easily and safely use while traveling,” Hesse says. “Our machine-to-machine wireless technology helps companies reduce emissions, cut costs and raise performance.”
As the core development partner, Sprint is integrating cellular network connectivity into the Peterbilt SmartNav. The in-dash technology system utilizes a high-resolution 7-inch touch-panel display. Together, navigation and business systems will be provided with vehicle connectivity services for drivers to use easily and safely while traveling. When a truck is not in motion, the driver will be able to access the Internet and send and receive e-emails to enhance communications with dispatchers, logistics providers and shippers. The Sprint connectivity service is available as an option.
SmartNav also includes hands-free phoning with Bluetooth, back-up camera options, vehicle data and audio controls, including satellite radio, AM/FM, CD, MP3 and USB. When launched in 2011, Peterbilt SmartNav will become standard on Peterbilt trucks with all premium interior trim offerings and on diesel-electric hybrid vehicles; the system also will be available as an upgrade on any Peterbilt standard trim package. SmartNav was developed on the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive 7 software platform.
“Peterbilt’s SmartNav is designed to provide truck operators telematics, diagnostics, back-office and infotainment functionality to improve productivity and comfort on the road,” says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. “By partnering with Sprint, we will be able to offer Peterbilt customers an outstanding mobile connectivity service.”
The in-dash Kenworth NavPlus technology system utilizes a high-resolution 7-inch color screen and 8 gigabytes of memory. Together, navigation and business systems will be provided with vehicle connectivity services for drivers to use easily and safely while traveling. When a truck is not in motion, the driver will be able to access the Internet and send and receive e-mails to enhance communications with dispatchers, logistics providers and shippers. The Sprint connectivity service is available as an option.
NavPlus also includes hands-free phoning with Bluetooth, back-up camera options, vehicle data and audio controls, including satellite radio, AM/FM, CD, MP3 and USB. When launched in 2011, Kenworth NavPlus will become standard on Kenworth trucks with all premium interior trim offerings and on diesel-electric hybrid vehicles; the system also will be available as an upgrade on any Kenworth standard trim package. NavPlus was developed on the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive 7 software platform.
“We look forward to offering Sprint’s outstanding mobile connectivity service as a benefit to customers in Kenworth trucks factory-equipped with Kenworth NavPlus,” says Bill Kozek, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president.
