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DaimierChrysler to push new buy VeMIS

14th December 2000
Page 18
Page 18, 14th December 2000 — DaimierChrysler to push new buy VeMIS
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• Leafield AVM has been bought by DaimlerChrysler, in a move which should extend the use of its VeMIS vehicle monitoring equipment, Leafield will become VeMIS Vehicle Telematic Solutions. DaimlerChrysler telematics chief Theodor Maurer says: ''We will increase marketing efforts immediately."

The deal also gives DaimlerChrysler access to a vehicle data sys tern which works with all makes of CV. increasing the range of applications for its Fleetboard vehicle monitoring service, which will be launched in the UK next month.

Fleetboard previously relied on proprietary Mercedes-Benz data acquisition systems, but, as Maurer says: "The reality in our life is that there are mixed fleets" (CM 8-14 June). The deal also gives Fleetboard a good deal of technical know-how-managing director Ken Evans and technical director Richard Case are both staying with VeMIS.

Another important reason for the purchase is the installation and service infrastructure VeMIS has built up. "That's very important in this market", says Maurer. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz truck dealer network will be able to sell VeMIS too, and not just in the UK: "We are convinced that VeMIS. a well-known product in the UK. is ready to be used in other markets," he adds. "Perhaps there are opportunities in North and South America."

Rather than being absorbed into Daimlerthrysler, VeMIS will retain its own management as what Maurer calls "an arm's-length business". He stresses: "VeMIS will remain an inde

pendent company with its own brand and Its own processes." The firm is being encouraged to offer its products to other vehicle manufacturers for OE frt.

More than 10,000 VeMIS units have been installed to date; major fleet customers include Asda and Parcelforce. The company has recently developed VeMIS 3, which offers more flexibility than previous versions (see list).

Present VeMIS installations rely on a base station which accepts a short-range radio download of data when each vehicle returns to its depot. Each customer needs its own base-station hardware and PC-based software, and the cost of this makes the solution most attractive to large fleets. VeMIS 3's GSM capability allows it to communicate from anywhere with mobile phone coverage, and it is now compatible with agencybased fleet management services such as FleetBoard. FleetBoard is pushing its internetbased system, as customers need only a computer with an internet connection, and browser software. "Last year, when we started the web service, we were anxious, but customers love it because they can get access from anywhere at any time," says Maurer. This should make the system more attractive to small fleets. and will encourage the adoption of standard on-board hardware.

Maurer believes VeMIS could become the standard for much of the industry, concluding: "Today the market is not standardised, because there isn't enough volume—but it's a chicken-and-egg situation."


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