Full-service leasing company First Fleet Corp. says it will begin fitting its trucks and tractors with the eTechnician diagnostic and telematics system from NEXIQ Technologies. The wireless vehicle monitoring system will allow First Fleet to remotely obtain mileage readings and troubleshoot equipment problems, while also providing customers with information on vehicle fuel economy and utilization.
The national leasing company, headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, currently manages approximately 10,000 trucks, tractors, trailers and material handling vehicles deployed throughout the U.S., offering fleet management services as well as equipment financing and maintenance.
The eTechnician system is an onboard diagnostic device connected to both J1708 and J1939 data buses that can collect and read data from most engine electronic control units (ECU). An integrated wireless modem provides real-time access to the data, as well as allows “on-the-fly” diagnostics and ECU programming.
“Initially, we’ll use the system to collect vehicle mileages, which can be difficult for a leasing company to get sometimes, and to help customers benchmark fuel economy and utilization,” says Kirk Rutherford, First Fleet’s director of fleet service. “As we become more familiar (with the system) we’ll also be looking for new opportunities.”
