Eaton Corp. has announced the creation of the Vehicle Solutions Business Unit (VSBU). This allows Eaton's Truck group to realign its VORAD and MD Tools Mobile Diagnostics product lines

and transform its business model from a component-based supplier to a systems-based solutions provider.
Future VSBU offerings will include integrated diagnostics, safety and other operational management solutions to fleets.
A key element of Eaton's Vehicle Solutions vision is a new product development and sales agreement with @Road Inc. of Fremont, Calif., an industry leader in on-demand Mobile Resource Management solutions. Through this new relationship, Eaton can now combine its on-board diagnostic and safety systems with @Road Mobile Resource Management to offer a customized fleet management solution. On-demand GPS-based location intelligence, real-time vehicle diagnostics, shop management, wireless communication capabilities, and other fleet asset management optimization tools can all be tailored to fit the unique needs of any truck fleet.
"With our leadership and heritage in drivetrain systems, we bring a perspective to this business and an understanding of the commercial vehicle market that very few others can provide to their customers," said Roderick Jones, business unit manager of Eaton's Vehicle Solutions business unit.
Jones continued, "This alliance with @Road means that fleets will be able to monitor their vehicles in real time, schedule vehicle downtime, monitor vehicle operational issues, and provide drivers with enhanced safety systems. With the new solutions that Eaton and @Road will bring to the marketplace, we will be able to better help fleets optimize their performance, maximize their uptime and reduce operating costs."
Eaton's MD Mobile Diagnostics is a line of progressive diagnostic tools, software and solutions for the trucking industry that helps fleets customize solutions to their specific service requirements and needs. The MD line includes vehicle link adapters, handheld scan tools, PC diagnostic software, vehicle vibration analyzers and PDA diagnostic software.
Eaton's VORAD Collision Warning Systems include forward, side and rear radar sensors to detect objects and vehicles in the vehicle's intended path that may pose a hazard. In-cab display units with a series of warning lights and audible tones warn the driver of the presence of these objects and vehicles. These warnings give the driver added time to take any necessary action to avoid a collision. Eaton VORAD systems are also available with the optional SmartCruise, adaptive cruise control that helps maintain safe distances between vehicles in addition to accident recording and reconstruction and VORAD EVIMS fleet information management systems.
For information on Vehicle Solutions or other Roadranger products, systems and solutions, visit www.roadranger.com. To reach Roadranger customer service, call (800) 826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada; in Mexico, dial 001-800-826-HELP (4357).