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 so that fleet customers have the flexibility to work with the partner of their choice as well as eliminating the need to install additional hardware.
“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,” said Jason Krajewski, director of connectivity for Daimler Trucks North America.
The company says the integrated services will also be factory installed to help reduce the time it takes customers to in-service their vehicles.
“Integrating the services of third party providers onto our Detroit Connect platform is a real game-changer,” he said. “It provides us the ability to expand our capabilities and push the bounds of the connected vehicle experience.”
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.
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.
Starting in April, Zonar offerings will be available on the Detroit Connect Platform to allow mutual customers to access Zonar’s telematics technologies that include Zonar’s web-based fleet management system, Ground Traffic Control (GTC), 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,” said Krajewski. “Through our partnership, we’ll continue to develop services that will blend our vehicle expertise with Zonar’s proficiency in fleet management solutions.”
The Detroit Connect suite of connected vehicle services includes Detroit Connect Virtual Technician, Analytics and Remote Updates, which now includes firmware over-the-air updates.
“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.”
