LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Detroit Diesel Corporation announced recently that it is collaborating with AT&T and Microsoft to deliver enhancements to its Detroit Connect suite of connected vehicle services.

AT&T will provide Internet of Things connectivity for the new Detroit Connect Truck Data Center platform.  The platform features communications hardware that will deliver new capabilities for Detroit Connect, including Detroit Connect Remote Updates, which enables over-the-air engine programming and powertrain electronic firmware update capabilities for customers, as well as the ability to integrate third-party telematics applications. Microsoft will support all Detroit Connect services with the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. It will be exclusive to the new Freightliner Cascadia.

“Our collaboration with technology leaders such as AT&T and Microsoft further enhance our ability to provide advanced connected vehicle solutions that will deliver vehicle performance insights and update capabilities to our customers,” said Matt Pfaffenbach, director, connectivity for Daimler Trucks North America. “With the enhancements to Detroit Connect, we’re able to deepen the connection between our customers and their vehicles more than ever before.”

“Daimler Trucks North America is an industry leader in innovative solutions and represents more than 40% of the long-haul trucking market in the U.S. and Canada,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice-president, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. “The Detroit Connect platform is a prime example of how Internet of Things connectivity can improve efficiency, safety and performance in connected vehicles. We look forward to providing our global connected vehicle expertise and IoT solutions for these trucks.”

The connectivity platform will be available with start-of-production of the new Freightliner Cascadia in January 2017.

“Today’s massive digital transformation of the automotive industry can open up many new opportunities for Freightliners. The power of increased connectivity and the Microsoft Azure cloud platform will allow Detroit to deliver context-specific insights from vast networks of data and enhance the reliability, richness and convenience of their services for customers,” said Sanjay Ravi, managing director, Worldwide Discrete Manufacturing, Enterprise and Partner Group, Microsoft.

For more information, go to www.DemandDetroit.com/Connect.