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    1. Technology

    Zonar Completes Strategic Agreement with Daimler Trucks North America to Provide Virtual Technician Remote Diagnostic Systems

    Sept. 11, 2014
    Developed for DTNA by Zonar, the Virtual Technician transmits real-time engine diagnostics with vehicle performance indicators to the Detroit Diesel Customer Support Center. The support center then proactively communicates with fleets and vehicle owners regarding potential performance issues and service scheduling.
    Related To: Zonar

    Zonar announced a strategic agreement with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) to provide DTNA’s Virtual Technician, the industry’s first real-time remote diagnostic system, as standard equipment on model year 2012 Freightliner vehicles equipped with Detroit Diesel engines.

    “With increasingly complex truck engine technology, new government regulations, and the continued need for cost control — successful transportation operators rely on real-time diagnostics and data to improve fleet efficiency,” said Chris Oliver, Zonar's vice president of sales and marketing. “As a leading provider of vehicle inspection, tracking and fleet telematics systems, Zonar is uniquely positioned to help fleets and operators improve transportation efficiency and reduce downtime. By leveraging Zonar’s technology with the Virtual Technician system, DTNA can provide immediate and proactive diagnostic service to their customers.”

    DTNA recently announced its proprietary Virtual Technician diagnostic system to provide customers vehicle efficiency information and improved customer service and uptime. Developed for DTNA by Zonar, the Virtual Technician transmits real-time engine diagnostics with vehicle performance indicators to the Detroit Diesel Customer Support Center. The support center then proactively communicates with fleets and vehicle owners regarding potential performance issues and service scheduling.

    According to Dave Hames, general manager marketing and strategy at DTNA, the decision to work with Zonar Systems came down to industry expertise and cutting edge technology. “Zonar is an established telematics provider and they were best able to meet our data needs with real-time fault code alerts and exception based reporting,” Hames said.

    “Zonar technology allows us to provide a new level of customer service to Freightliner owners,” Hames said. “With Virtual Technician, maintenance and service teams will be solving problems as they occur. Uptime will increase through Virtual Technician’s real time diagnostics and the verification that the right parts needed for the repair are available. Service outlet support will be bolstered with the aid of the Customer Support Center due to the electronic reporting and, best of all, productivity will be increased.”

    Zonar provides the hardware and a cloud based computing platform for the Virtual Technician. Freightliner trucks equipped with Detroit Diesel BlueTec engines will include the Virtual Technician hardware as standard equipment. According to Oliver, customers will have options to upgrade the service to access additional fleet data and an expansive set of fleet management tools.