Continental secures majority stake in Zonar

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SEATTLE, WA – Continental is acquiring a majority stake in Zonar, while Daimler Trucks North America will retain its minority stake in the telematics provider.

The deal is subject to U.S. regulatory approval.

Zonar, with 300 employees, is based in Seattle, Washington and supports Daimler’s Virtual Technician, which is now installed on more than 200,000 trucks. It also holds a patent for an Electronic Verified Vehicle Inspection Reporting system, and offers an Automatic On Board Recording Device tablet.

“With this move, we are further expanding our portfolio and expertise in the arena of mobility services, and fostering our regional balance by investing into a fleet management provider in the U.S. that gives us access to a broad customer base and existing sales channels,” said Helmut Matschi, Continental board member and president of the company’s interior division.

“It is exciting to move into a new chapter in Zonar history with the backing of a respected global brand that recognizes our need to serve our markets as a nimble, innovative, customer-focused company as we have for the past 15 years,” said Ian McKerlich, Zonar president. “Customers will receive the same productive partnership and innovation they have come to expect with Zonar, as well as expanded technological resources and capabilities from Continental.”

Dr. Michael Ruf, head of Continental’s commercial vehicle and aftermarket business unit, added that the deal will help to broaden Continental’s existing diagnostics capabilities.

“Continental’s investment in Zonar presents a great opportunity to bring the best in both hardware and software solutions to the industry. Daimler Trucks North America will continue its partnership with Zonar building upon the success we have enjoyed over the last five years and Zonar will continue to be an integral part of our connectivity solutions,” said Martin Daum, president and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America.

 

 

 

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John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.


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