Thomas Built, Zonar to offer telematics solution

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses will partner with Seattle-based Zonar Systems to provide factory-installed telematics features for Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus models as standard equipment, company officials announced on Monday.

“This innovative electronic management solution will deliver valuable computerized information on maintenance issues and key engine events that could transform the school bus industry,” said Ken Hedgecock, Thomas Built’s vice president of sales, marketing and service.

Through the partnership with Zonar, Thomas Built will offer an onboard telematics option with the capacity to go beyond just GPS tracking.

The Zonar platform will have the ability to send and receive data from the engine as well as provide insight on overall vehicle performance, driver behavior and monitoring of school bus passengers through Thomas Built’s multiplex wiring system.

Company officials said that the data will provide real-time diagnostics, which fleet managers, drivers, dealers and Thomas Built technicians can use to determine maintenance issues and to identify ways to further decrease the total cost of ownership for school bus fleets.

The telematics features will be available on all Saf-T-Liner C2 orders starting in July. They will also be available on other Thomas Built bus models shortly thereafter.

For more information on the new Zonar solution, visit a Thomas Built Buses dealer.

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