International announces availability of Aware Vehicle Intelligence

WASHINGTON, D.C.-International Truck and Engine Corporation has announced the of International Aware Vehicle Intelligence, a comprehensive telematics offering, at the Homeland Security Summit In Washington D.C. Previewed earlier in 2004 as the first comprehensive telematics product from an OEM, Aware Vehicle Intelligence aims to improve the profitability of fleet operations.

As part of the product launch at the Homeland Security Conference, International also highlighted that it was the first commercial truck manufacturer to outfit its medium- and heavy-duty trucks with technology that can include electronic theft-deterrent and integrated tracking systems.

"Whether it is a propane truck, a delivery truck or a tractor-trailer, the ability to prevent truck theft or to track its location is extremely important," said Rob Swim, Director, Vehicle Center Marketing Strategy, International Truck and Engine. "We’ve developed a system that helps prevent truck thefts or can track a truck’s location at all times."

With International’s theft-deterrent system, the access code must be entered within seven seconds of engine start up or the engine will shut down. The seven-second delay is a safety feature for drivers who may have to move a truck a short distance in an emergency situation. If the code is entered incorrectly too many times, it can be programmed to send an alert to the cell phone of a fleet manager or other official.

International Aware Vehicle Intelligence is a telematics solution that allows authorized individuals to monitor trucks in real-time through a password-protected Internet connection. The system tracks the truck’s exact location, direction of travel and even how fast it is going. Other features include the ability to set up a "geo-fence," a virtual electronic boundary on a map where trucks should not cross. For example, if a geofence was established around the nation’s Capitol and a truck crossed that imaginary line, an alert instantly would relay to designated officials to inform them that a truck is out of its normal boundary and nearing the building.

It also works for highway tractors that veer off course on an Interstate highway. If a truck appears to be taking a different or a suspicious route, the geofence can alert a fleet manager who can investigate further to see if it is a troublesome situation or a matter of a detour due to road construction.

"This new technology gives the trucking industry the ability to keep closer tabs on the thousands of trucks on America’s roadways," said Swim. "It provides a better situation for drivers, fleet managers and law-enforcement officials."

The telematics system can also serve as a business tool for truck owners.

"Truck owners want to know everything about the performance and productivity of these vehicles," explained Jeff Bannister, Director, Truck Electronics, International Truck and Engine. "Fleet owners, and managers lose control over some of their most important assets when their trucks leave the lot each day, and International Aware Vehicle Intelligence lets them track location, monitor performance, diagnose maintenance issues, and ensure driver and vehicle safety and security. Customers will see its impact on their bottom line because it helps reduce fuel and inventory costs, maximizes available revenue opportunities, and improves the overall return on investment of their trucks and truck equipment."