For many fleets, onboard telematics has become an indispensable tool in the never-ending quest to improve fuel economy.

Increasingly sophisticated weather forecasting applications are helping fleets and drivers navigate around adverse weather conditions that could pose safety risks or delay the movement of freight.

Navistar International Corp.’s OnCommand Connection Telematics product is available for purchase, as scheduled, after being introduced in March.

The mobile device revolution, started by the release of the first Apple iPhone 10 years ago this summer, has transformed the way fleets communicate with their drivers. For many years, fleet telematics relied solely on proprietary, fixed-mount units in the cab to serve as driver interfaces, but today many telematics vendors offer fleets the ability to communicate with their drivers through mobile devices, ranging from personal smartphones to proprietary tablets that can be easily removed from the cab.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Engine makers, two of whom also build heavy-duty trucks, emphasized the powerful role of telematics in delivering customer support as they announced service-related features.

Fleet-tracking companies Teletrac Inc. and Navman Wireless announced a new telematics platform that combines their two product lines into one offering for customers. 

Telematics provider Geotab introduced a telematics device, Go Rugged, intended for harsh outdoor environments and developed for fleets with industrial heavy-duty and service vehicles.

Volvo Group’s two North American truck making units, Mack and Volvo, said they are offering the option to link their remote diagnostic systems with communications services from Omnitracs with the goal of providing fleet managers with more information on safety and operations.

Magtec Products Inc. announced that it has formed a new venture to integrate its anti-theft and driver-management software with major global telematics providers.