Penske launches connected fleet solutions

Penske Truck Leasing has announced the launch of its connected fleet solutions, saying it can now connect its systems with virtually any truck and engine configuration or telematics service provider using a proprietary, device-neutral data platform.

The move is designed to enable faster problem solving during breakdowns and improved vehicle maintenance through remote diagnostics, location data, and big data analytics, opening the way to providing predictive vehicle maintenance.

Brian Hard, president and CEO of Penske Truck Leasing, said: “We’re very pleased to begin formally offering connected fleet solutions to customers.

“We have designed these connected fleet solutions to improve vehicle uptime, safety and compliance and help keep customers well-informed about their vehicles.”

Penske believes it is the first truck leasing company to provide connected fleet solutions at such size and scale, with more than 20,000 vehicles in its truck rental and logistics fleets using the technology and customer vehicles being added daily.

Consulting group

The company has also announced it has established an onboard technology consulting group within its existing operations.

The group was created as a value-added service to help Penske’s customers to address the proliferation of technology choices and questions fleet operators have about selecting, evaluating, implementing and using onboard systems.

Penske takes a device-neutral approach when helping its customers with evaluations.

Art Vallely, executive vice president and COO at Penske Truck Leasing, said: “Onboard fleet technology systems and options are changing rapidly.

“Many fleet operators simply cannot keep up with the rate of change. Our goal in creating this expert team is to provide customers with an objective, fact-based view of the various onboard technologies such as telematics, ELDs, in-cab cameras and other emerging technologies going forward.”

Penske Truck Leasing’s fleet includes more than 240,000 vehicles across North America and its customers use a variety of onboard systems on these vehicles.

Vallely added: “We have in-depth and road-tested experience with all of the major onboard technology service providers. We’re now bringing this experience together as a value-added service to our customers.”