Freightliner Introduces Truck Productivity Computer(TM) / Innovative On-Board Device Combines Mobile Computer With Truck Radio

ORLANDO, Fla. (PROTEXT) - Freightliner Corporation today introduced the future of on-board vehicle computing -- the Truck Productivity Computer(TM). Combining a robust vehicle computer with AM/FM stereo and weather band receiver, compact disc player and interfaces to wireless systems, Truck Productivity Computer is designed to meet the information, communications and entertainment needs of 21st Century truck operators. Intended as a convenient, highly functional alternative to current, on-board devices, the Truck Productivity Computer fits into the standard radio slot in a truck dashboard. "The growth of the Internet, the spread of e-commerce and the intensification of just-in-time manufacturing practices are driving more information technology into the truck cab," Freightliner Corporation President and CEO James L. Hebe said. "This device is designed to deliver the mobile computing power necessary to succeed in the highly competitive North American transportation industry." Truck Productivity Computer is an on-board computer, communications interface, vehicle information display, global positioning system (GPS), AM/FM stereo, weather/RDS receiver and compact disc player -- all in one. On-Board Computer The unit's computer is designed specifically for vehicle applications. Featuring a state-of-the-art Hitachi SH4 166 MHz processor, the on-board computer is capable of performing 300 million instructions per second (MIPS), equivalent in power to many desktop computers. To interface with numerous computer peripherals, the Truck Productivity Computer has two Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections for such devices as magnetic card readers, bar code scanners, printers, flat bed scanners, cellular telephones, digital cameras and game controllers. The driver also can plug a keyboard into the USB and a second full VGA monitor for enhanced display and alphanumeric input. Wireless Communications Interface Truck Productivity Computer also can provide the driver interface for wireless communications systems such as those that transmit messages and data via satellite or cellular networks. "The Truck Productivity Computer can serve as the platform for a multitude of mobile computing applications," said Paul Menig, Director of Electrical/Electronic Engineering for Freightliner Corporation. Among the tasks Truck Productivity Computer can accomplish when combined with the appropriate hardware and operating software: * Send and receive e-mail and access the Internet. * Display pick-up and delivery information and show turn-by- turn directions to locations. * Send confirmation messages and transmit location information to dispatch departments. * Download vehicle information using magnetic cards. * Transmit imaged documents. * Download and transmit information from bar-code scanners or hand-held computers. Vehicle Information Display Besides functioning as the platform for various mobile computing and communications applications, Truck Productivity Computer also serves as the gateway to information about the vehicle. Among other functions, the device will let the driver check miles driven for a whole trip or current leg, monitor fuel economy while driving and record current oil pressure, water pressure and other vital signs. Global Positioning System (GPS) The device also features an integrated global positioning system unit for determining the precise location of the truck. GPS data can be fed into vehicle tracking software to communicate truck location information to dispatch. A separate GPS antenna is required. AM/FM Stereo Receiver and Compact Disc Player Aside from its capabilities as an on-board computer, the device incorporates the truck's AM/FM stereo/receiver and a compact disk player. Capable of driving 4 speakers, the unit's radio delivers high quality sound to the truck cab. Connections for additional speakers and amplifiers -- and for a multiple-CD changer - are available for truck operators who desire an enhanced sound system. Display and Controls Truck Productivity Computer is optimized with a driver- friendly interface. Measuring just 58.5 mm high by 189 mm wide at its face, the computer features an easy-read-to-display and easy- to-use controls. Surrounding the volume knob are four shaped keys that provide the typical cursor controls needed for computer operations. Under the display are five football-shaped keys for selecting preset music stations, CD tracks or making other program selections. Other keys allow the driver to manipulate special functions, move through various menus, request help or eject the CD. Situated for Safety Freightliner believes the placement and design of Truck Productivity Computer will increase the safety of mobile computing. In heavy-duty trucks, the unit will be situated in the winged B-panel, giving the driver a quick view of the display screen while manipulating the controls. The Truck Productivity Computer only will offer a limited amount of functionality while the truck is moving. Freightliner also plans to offer voice-recognition capability that lets the driver "talk" to the computer. The device also has the capability to convert text memos to speech. The computer essentially will read messages aloud, so drivers never have to take their eyes off the road. Software Applications Freightliner currently is working with trucking software and communications providers to create applications for Truck Productivity Computer. One of the first third-party programs will be a navigation package from ALK Associates. Princeton, N.J.- based ALK manufactures the popular PC*Miler(TM) software package widely used by truck fleets. Truck Productivity Computer runs on Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE, a 32-bit operating system platform for a broad range of communications, entertainment and mobile communications devices. Windows CE makes possible new categories of non-PC business and consumer devices that can communicate with each other, share information with Windows-based personal computers and access the Internet. With the proper software, Truck Productivity Computer could also record driver hours-of-service, Menig said. The Department of Transportation currently is exploring the use of on-board electronic devices that track truck driver work hours. Federal law limits the amount of time a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle before stopping to sleep. Currently, hours-of- service are recorded by drivers in a paper logbook, which can be audited by federal inspectors. Looking Ahead The power and functionality of Truck Productivity Computer will continue to grow as its software applications multiply, according to Menig. Freightliner also plans to augment the device's processing power and memory as new technologies become available. Truck Productivity Computer will be available for all Class 3- 8 Freightliner, Sterling, American LaFrance and Thomas Built Buses nameplate trucks manufactured by Freightliner Corporation. Production begins in the second half of 2000. Freightliner also plans to sell the device on the aftermarket for all truck makes. Freightliner Corporation, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is the leading heavy truck manufacturer in North America. Freightliner produces and markets Class 3-8 trucks under the Freightliner, Sterling, American LaFrance and Thomas Built Buses nameplates and is a DaimlerChrysler company, the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer. On the Internet Visit the Freightliner Corporation Web Site at www.freightliner.com for additional Freightliner news. ots Original Text Service: Freightliner Corporation Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Chris Brandt of Freightliner Corporation, 503-735-5471 or fax, 503-735-5775 or chrisbrandt@freightliner.com Web site: http://www.freightliner.com Subscribers please note that material bearing the slug "PROTEXT" is not part of CTK's news service and is not to be published under the "CTK" slug. Protext is a commercial service providing distribution of press releases from clients, who are identified in the text of Protext reports and who bear full responsibility for their contents. PROTEXT