Paccar has earned the top technology ranking in InformationWeek magazine's 2011 Top 500 company listing for its in-dash SmartNav and NavPlus navigation/infotainment units and its new TruckerLink application that builds upon the Paccar Connected Truck program.


"In the teeth of the worst recession in decades, Paccar took a risk on a major IT project," reads the InformationWeek article. "The results can be seen inside its newest trucks, part of the company's effort to claw back from a nearly 50% plunge in sales during the downturn."

"Ten years ago, the IT leadership at Paccar set out to craft a vision for how electronics would change the trucking and freight hauling business, and what Paccar trucks would need to compete," the article explains, going on to reveal that the company's business and IT leaders decided Paccar would develop the electronics itself, rather than turning to a maker of aftermarket electronics.

The article talks about the development of Paccar's in-cab navigation/infotainment system, SmartNav for Peterbilt and NavPlus for Kenworth. Then last year, the team turned its attention to the TruckerLink system. "The idea was to continuously relay location and diagnostic information from the truck," InformationWeek writes.

The TruckerLink product, developed in partnership with Signalset, delivers leading-edge "carrier-switching" technology that enables a truck's telematics system to operate seamlessly nationwide with uninterrupted coverage on multiple wireless networks.

It is integrated with Paccar's in-dash telematics, truck navigation, and driver support systems. Specific mobile networks are chosen automatically, based on the on-board computers' business logic that considers signal strength, bandwidth and cost metrics.

The InformationWeek magazine top 500 review is in its 23rd year and is regarded as the most prestigious business technology ranking in American industry. It showcases the country's most innovative adopters of applied technology. The ranking is unique in that it specifically highlights the power of innovation in information technology. PACCAR's technology focus has also been honored by ComputerWorld and PCWeek magazines.

The InformationWeek article can be found here.