Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and Zonar Systems Inc. announced that DTNA has become a minority investor in Zonar. This investment aims to help DTNA and Zonar better integrate Daimler’s trucks with Zonar’s telematics and connectivity services. Zonar will continue to operate independently of DTNA, with Martin Daum, chief executive officer of DTNA, becoming a member of its Board of Directors.
“The strategic partnership provides DTNA the ability to leverage the agile development and rapid innovation cycles for which Zonar is known. Zonar’s solutions, combined with DTNA’s industry leadership in engineering, will benefit customers across all markets,” Daum said. “The future of DTNA’s and Zonar’s products will evolve, but our ultimate focus is on increasing efficiency and safety – benefitting everyone on the road.”
“This is a relationship in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” Zonar Chief Executive Officer Brett Brinton said. “The drivers and fleet managers will all benefit from combining the big data analytics and rapid technology development Zonar offers with the depth of knowledge, precision and expertise in vehicle engineering DTNA brings. It is an honor to be selected as a technology partner to the world’s best vehicle manufacturer, aligning their philosophy of ‘the best or nothing’.”
This investment builds upon an ongoing five-year partnership between the two companies, which began with the launch of the Virtual Technician remote diagnostic system. The two companies will continue to co-develop products while operating as separate entities.
DTNA trucks will now come off the line integrated with Zonar diagnostic, safety, and tracking systems installed, while Zonar will benefit from the added resources provided by partnering with North America’s largest manufacturer of trucks.
