Tacho prices
Page 21
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omrnercial Motor (6-12 July) reported a story concerning the introduction of a new generation of digital tachographs. This, in general a very good article, was in several points misleading.
The new recording equipment required by the proposal for amending the proposal (EEC) no 3821/85 is a completely new on-board computer system which offers the user several additional features on demand. The system works independently and is not "bolt on'.
The record sheet known from the present tachograph will be kept in the new system as a print-out of the information from the onboard computer. Since a print-out is necessary, as your article also states, newgeneration tachographs will also print out an identical record to that produced by existing equipment. Since a large number of older vehicles with the present tachograph will be in operation, an identical document like the record sheet is useful for users and control authorities.
For retrofitment, the present tachograph will remain in operation with an additional electronic box able to handle drivers' cards. Operators can save a substantial amount of money if they decide on retrofitment rather than the complete new unit.
The price for the new recording equipment will be approximately £750; the price for the retrofit box will be £300 plus fitting costs.
The costs of £2,000 mentioned in your article is far too high and the costs of the new equipment will be approximately 20% higher than the present electronic tachographs.
Dr M Steinhart,
1/DO Kienzle GmbH