Caltex unveils new truck-monitoring technology

Following on from a successful pilot, Caltex Australia has launched Caltex Telematics, its vehicle telematics solution, at the International Truck, Trailer & Equipment show in Melbourne held from 5–7 May.

The innovative telematics technology gives businesses real-time information on driver and vehicle performance, as well as the ability to predict future mechanical faults.

The company conducted an extensive pilot on its own fleet which it said delivered impressive results.

“With fuel and physical assets the two biggest costs for businesses, we’re excited to offer a tried and tested telematics system to help our customers achieve significant performance and safety enhancements,” said Bruce Rosengarten, Caltex executive general manager commercial.

“While other systems focus on GPS ‘track and trace’, Caltex Telematics tells the full story of how vehicles are being used.”

The telematics technology focuses on how vehicles are driven in terms of general behaviours — like acceleration and cornering  — as well as mechanical behaviours, ie, how drivers physically engage with the vehicle. This may include actions such as changing gears, clutch use and braking.

Rosengarten said that in a world of big data, Caltex Telematics can help fleet managers maximise financial and operational benefits by giving them valuable insights into the movement and handling of their fleets.

“The additional data collected by Caltex Telematics is gathered through accurate and real-time CANbus information from the vehicle’s engine management system,” Rosengarten said.

“Through sophisticated algorithms and analysis it can be used to predict future faults and maintenance issues, saving companies big dollars before something major happens.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Caltex. It was a no-brainer for us to install a system that helps keep our drivers and other road users safer, as well as providing us with insights to run our fleets more efficiently.”