All 2012 Freightliners equipped with Detroit Diesel engines will include Daimler Trucks North America’s (DTNA) Virtual Technician as standard equipment, the company announced.
Virtual Technician, developed by Zonar Systems for DTNA, transmits real-time engine diagnostics with performance indicators to the Detroit Diesel Customer Support Center. The center than communicates with fleets and vehicle owners any potential performance issues and service scheduling based on the data.
“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-sales & 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.”
Zonar provides the hardware and the cloud-based computing platform for the system, all standard on 2012 models with Detroit Diesel’s BlueTec engines. Customers will have the chance to upgrade the service to access additional fleet data and management tools, DTNA said.
“Zonar technology allows us to provide a new level of customer service to Freightliner owners,” Dave Hames, general manager-marketing & strategy for DTNA, 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.”
