PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Trucks North America announced today that it has become a minority in Zonar Systems.

According to the company, this investment is a smart one as it expands DTNA’s development of connected vehicles. The long-term partnership aims to help both companies achieve their shared vision of optimal transportation logistics through intelligent connectivity.

“Telematics and connectivity are revolutionizing commercial vehicle operation with enormous opportunities for OEMs – especially for us as the leader of this business. That is exactly why we made connectivity a dedicated part of our strategy,” said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the board of management of Daimler AG, responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses.

“We consistently implement this strategy – and today we have reached an important milestone. Our investment in Zonar will help us to put connected services on the road with even greater speed and variety. We are partnering with a pioneer in this field,” he added.

Martin Daum, president and CEP of DTNA added: “The strategic partnership provides DTNA the ability to leverage the agile development and rapid innovation cycles for which Zonar is known. Zonar’s solutions, combined with DTNA’s industry leadership in engineering, will benefit customers across all markets. The future of DTNA’s and Zonar’s products will evolve, but our ultimate focus is on increasing efficiency and safety – benefitting everyone on the road.”

The companies have partnered for more than five years starting with the launch of the Virtual Technician remote diagnostics system.

“This is a relationship in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” said Zonar CEO Brett Brinton. “The drivers and fleet managers will all benefit from combining the big data analytics and rapid technology development Zonar offers with the depth of knowledge, precision and expertise in vehicle engineering DTNA brings. It is an honor to be selected as a technology partner to the world’s best vehicle manufacturer, aligning their philosophy of ‘the best or nothing’.”