Delphi Corp., Mountain View, Calif., announced the commercial availability of FleetOutlook, an onboard computer with a fleet and security management system in an AM/FM radio.

The unit combines real-time monitoring, two-way messaging and GPS tracking in a single in-dash AM/FM radio to be marketed by Delphi in partnership with distributor Pana-Pacific and fleet management service provider MobileAria.
Delphi will produce and market the system oiginally developed by Freightliner and known as the Truck Productivity Computer, or TruckPC. Now called FleetOutlook, the system has been redesigned to fit all OEM heavy truck radio configurations and can be intergrated with existing enterprise software or configured as a web-based solution.
In addition to providing all standard onboard computer offerings such as two-way communications, GPS tracking and standard RS-232 and USB hardware interfaces, FleetOutlook features include text-to-speech capability. Messages from a dispatcher are “read” to the driver over the vehicle’s radio speakers, automatically lowering the radio or CD volume with no driver intervention. Drivers listen while keeping their hands on the wheel and their attention focused on driving tasks.
FleetOutlook offers remote vehicle enabling and disabling, allowing managers to require assigned drivers to enter a personal ID number in order to engage the throttle of the vehicle. This prevents vehicle theft and assures that legitimate drivers take the correct vehicle. The vehicle can idle but cannot move until the proper identification is entered.
Tri-mode wireless communications enable fleets to select satellite, cellular or Wi-Fi wireless data services delivering messages based on cost and latency requirements.
FleetOutlook runs on the Microsoft Windows CE operating system for integration with many applications and relatively easy customization.
Among the FleetOutlook applications:
-- Automated driver logs maintain eight days days of DOT-compliant logs even when a driver changes vehicles.
-- Fuel tax reporting gathers actual miles driven and fuel purchased and generates reports.
-- Vehicle diagnostics collects critical vehicle data through an industry-standard J1708/J1939 vehicle data bus.
-- Trip information provides automatic arrival and departure notification.
-- Driver authentication & assignment requires authorized drivers to enter a PIN.
Pana-Pacific will market off-the-shelf and custom applications directly to commercial trucking companies as well as private and government fleets. Pana-Pacific will also market FleetOutlook to dealers, vehicle manufacturers, vehicle distributors, systems integrators, application developers and other companies serving the trucking industry.