For the business and trade press
Taking big steps toward the digital future
Already, half a million digital tachographs from Siemens VDO are on the road in European commercial vehicles
Regensburg, April 10, 2007
Even before the first anniversary of the introduction date of the new system for the recording of driving and rest times, a first reason to celebrate is emerging: Already today, about 500,000 digital tachographs (DTCO) from Siemens VDO are on the road in European trucks and busses. The new tracking device is mandatory for all trucks and transporters with a maximum permissible weight of over 3.5 tons or busses with more than eight seats which were newly registered after 1 May 2006. The system was introduced by the European Union in order to increase security against interference and manipulation. Besides the hardware, Siemens VDO offers a comprehensive service package, periphery devices and software to make it easier for users to handle the new technology.
Up until May 1, 2006, tachographs which recorded the driving and rest times and speed on a diagram chart were stipulated in commercial vehicles. Today, the data is stored electronically in all new vehicles. For this purpose, Siemens VDO has developed the digital tachograph DTCO 1381 which stores this information on the so-called mass memory and the driver card. Since the start of series production, around 500,000 of the new devices have been produced and sold. According to the company’s estimation, probably about 10 percent of all commercial vehicles in Europe are already equipped with DTCO 1381.
Beyond the statutory basic functions, Siemens VDO has integrated additional useful features in the DTCO 1381, for example, to enable trained experts to solve the circumstances of accidents.
Parallel to DTCO 1381, Siemens VDO has packed a comprehensive service package for all target groups who deal with the device. In Europe, a tight-knit network of around 10,000 experienced and specially trained partner workshops is available to the vehicle fleet operators for maintenance, calibration and the inspection of the device which is, by law, to be carried out every two years. For fleet managers, the tachograph specialists have developed various software packages which not only simplify data archiving but also enable access to fleet management at the same time. From the web-based data management solution and a version for fixed installation on an office PC to an entry-level package for small fleets, numerous areas of use and user requirements have been considered. The gap between digital tachographs in the cab and the computer in the central office is filled by the supplier with the so-called download key. With it, customers can read the entries of all digital tachograph models quickly and easily and transfer them to the office computer. Thousands of fleets all over Europe are already using this practical key.
For truck drivers, fleet managers, control officials and workshop employees there are also individually-designed training programs available. As required, and according to learning depth, they are offered computer-based or personal training. The information website www.siemensvdo.de/dtco provides a first overview of the new digital system.
This press release is supplemented by an image. The image and the press release are provided for download on the Internet at http://www.siemensvdo.com/press.
Additional information for readers and end-customers at:
http://www.siemensvdo.com/contactus
Siemens VDO Automotive (Regensburg), a group of Siemens AG, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of electronics and mechatronics for the automotive industry. With its products, it enables individual mobility and the efficient transportation of goods by road in modern societies. As development partner of the automotive industry, the company manufactures automotive electronics and mechatronics for reducing emissions, enhancing safety and driving comfort, and keeping drivers informed and in touch with the outside world. Siemens VDO generated sales of over EUR 10 billion and achieved results of EUR 669 million based on US-GAAP in the 2006 business year (30.9.2006).
Reference Number: SV 200704.002 en
