DTNA adds virtual technician program to service offerings

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LOUISVILLE, KY. Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has unveiled a new reporting system as well as a mobile parts and service app for smartphones. The announcements took place today at the Mid-America Trucking Show here in Louisville.

The virtual technician reporting system offers real-time vehicle system data through remote telematic diagnostics. The program packages and analyzes diagnostic codes, and based on that analysis, initiates a series of reporting and remedial actions, DTNA said.

“With virtual technician, we have determined that more than 93% of the issues identified by indicator lights are easily correctable and can wait until the best time for the customer to be addressed,” said David Hames, general manager, marketing and strategy “Virtual technician maximizes uptime by enabling customers to make informed decisions immediately.”

Because the system can determine the repair procedure, downtime is reduced, the company said, and technicians can have the parts on hand and any additional information necessary to make the repair quickly and efficiently.

Fleets are also offered a choice of service facilities within range of the vehicle to make the repairs.

Virtual technician is now available to order for Freightliner trucks and will soon be available to order for Western Star trucks.

DTNA also announced TruckerNet, a mobile application for iPhone and Android-powered smartphones.

TruckerNet provides service locations, parts information, and on-call breakdown assistance services to drivers.

“The adoption of web-enabled phones has skyrocketed in our industry over the last few years as everyone from owner-operators to fleet drivers look for better ways to share information and stay connected,” said Daniel Haggerty, director of parts marketing for Daimler Trucks North America LLC. “We’re leveraging that technology to help drivers on the road with better information and access to the parts and service they need.”

Drivers can use their phone’s GPS location data or enter a ZIP code or city name to find service locations.

Drivers will also have the ability to access immediate breakdown service support with connections to the excelerator breakdown assistance service through the app’s one-touch interface.

The TruckerNet smartphone app is now available for iPhone through Apple’s iTunes App Store and for Android system phones at the Android Market.

A version for RIM Blackberry systems is planned for release in the late spring.