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Zonar launches next-generation 3G telematics platform

The new V3 features GPS tracking capability, 3G high-speed data connection, built-in accelerometer, Wi-Fi and ultra-low-power sleep mode. Zonar officials say that the technology provides fleet managers with essential information to make important operational decisions, improve data and tracking accuracy, and increase overall safety and efficiency.

October 1, 2012
2 min to read


The new V3 features GPS tracking capability, 3G high-speed data connection, built-in accelerometer, Wi-Fi and ultra-low-power sleep mode.

SEATTLE — Zonar has unveiled the V3 telematics platform as the next generation to its comprehensive set of electronic fleet solutions.

The V3 collects data directly from the vehicle electronic control module (ECM), integrates that information with satellite GPS readings and transmits the data over 3G networks for immediate and insightful high-precision reporting.

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The new V3 features GPS tracking capability, 3G high-speed data connection, built-in accelerometer, Wi-Fi, and ultra-low-power sleep mode — all at OEM-quality levels far above other devices in the industry, according to Zonar.

Company officials said that the technology provides fleet managers with essential information to make important operational decisions, improve data and tracking accuracy, and increase overall safety and efficiency.

“The V3 takes our comprehensive vehicle tracking and diagnostics solutions to a whole new level,” said Mike McQuade, chief technology officer at Zonar. “The best GPS receiver available combined with 3G speed and OEM quality make the V3 the new standard for fleet telematics. There’s no other system like it on the market.”

With parallel time and frequency search capabilities that instantly find satellites, anti-jamming technology and low power consumption, the high-performing GPS receiver built into the V3 provides remarkable position accuracy even in the most challenging environments, Zonar officials said.

Additionally, the V3 combines GPS and ECM data to provide geospatially precise vehicle performance metrics — a unique offering for which Zonar holds a U.S. patent.

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New to the V3 is a three-axis accelerometer that senses changes in gravitational force, including front-to-back, side-to-side and up-and-down, to accurately determine motion and orientation. Company officials said that the result is timely and accurate detection of hard braking, hard acceleration and hard cornering — three operating behaviors that directly and significantly impact fuel efficiency and safe operation.

The V3 features real-time vehicle diagnostics to help improve vehicle uptime and maintenance operations. Fault code data are instantly delivered to fleet managers and dispatchers, reportedly often before the driver is aware of the problem.

Alerted of the vehicle’s condition, fleets can schedule shop time and maintenance resources in advance to reduce vehicle downtime. All performance and diagnostic information is available through Zonar’s web-based Ground Traffic Control application.

“The redesigned V3 adds a new facet to operational monitoring and performance,” McQuade added. “Because it utilizes the 3G network, the V3 not only captures the most robust and reliable data set available, but it gets that data in front of those who need it much more quickly and reliably than ever before.”

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