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

ORLANDO, Fla. (PROTEXT) - Freightliner Corporation todayintroduced the future of on-board vehicle computing -- the TruckProductivity Computer(TM). Combining a robust vehicle computerwith AM/FM stereo and weather band receiver, compact disc playerand interfaces to wireless systems, Truck Productivity Computeris designed to meet the information, communications andentertainment needs of 21st Century truck operators. Intended asa convenient, highly functional alternative to current, on-boarddevices, the Truck Productivity Computer fits into the standardradio slot in a truck dashboard. "The growth of the Internet, the spread of e-commerce and theintensification of just-in-time manufacturing practices aredriving 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 powernecessary to succeed in the highly competitive North Americantransportation industry." Truck Productivity Computer is an on-board computer,communications interface, vehicle information display, globalpositioning system (GPS), AM/FM stereo, weather/RDS receiver andcompact disc player -- all in one. On-Board Computer The unit's computer is designed specifically for vehicleapplications. Featuring a state-of-the-art Hitachi SH4 166 MHzprocessor, the on-board computer is capable of performing 300million instructions per second (MIPS), equivalent in power tomany desktop computers. To interface with numerous computer peripherals, the TruckProductivity Computer has two Universal Serial Bus (USB)connections for such devices as magnetic card readers, bar codescanners, printers, flat bed scanners, cellular telephones,digital cameras and game controllers. The driver also can plug akeyboard into the USB and a second full VGA monitor for enhanceddisplay and alphanumeric input. Wireless Communications Interface Truck Productivity Computer also can provide the driverinterface for wireless communications systems such as those thattransmit messages and data via satellite or cellular networks. "The Truck Productivity Computer can serve as the platform fora multitude of mobile computing applications," said Paul Menig,Director of Electrical/Electronic Engineering for FreightlinerCorporation. Among the tasks Truck Productivity Computer canaccomplish when combined with the appropriate hardware andoperating 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 informationto

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 mobilecomputing and communications applications, Truck ProductivityComputer also serves as the gateway to information about thevehicle. Among other functions, the device will let the drivercheck miles driven for a whole trip or current leg, monitor fueleconomy while driving and record current oil pressure, waterpressure and other vital signs. Global Positioning System (GPS) The device also features an integrated global positioningsystem unit for determining the precise location of the truck.GPS data can be fed into vehicle tracking software to communicatetruck location information to dispatch. A separate GPS antenna isrequired. AM/FM Stereo Receiver and Compact Disc Player Aside from its capabilities as an on-board computer, thedevice incorporates the truck's AM/FM stereo/receiver and acompact disk player. Capable of driving 4 speakers, the unit'sradio delivers high quality sound to the truck cab. Connectionsfor additional speakers and amplifiers -- and for a multiple-CDchanger - are available for truck operators who desire anenhanced 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 atits face, the computer features an easy-read-to-display and easy-to-use controls. Surrounding the volume knob are four shaped keys that providethe typical cursor controls needed for computer operations. Underthe display are five football-shaped keys for selecting presetmusic stations, CD tracks or making other program selections.Other keys allow the driver to manipulate special functions, movethrough various menus, request help or eject the CD. Situated for Safety Freightliner believes the placement and design of TruckProductivity Computer will increase the safety of mobilecomputing. In heavy-duty trucks, the unit will be situated in thewinged B-panel, giving the driver a quick view of the displayscreen while manipulating the controls. The Truck Productivity Computer only will offer a limitedamount of functionality while the truck is moving. Freightlineralso plans to offer voice-recognition capability that lets thedriver "talk" to the computer. The device also has the capabilityto convert text memos to speech. The computer essentially willread messages aloud, so drivers never have to take their eyes offthe road. Software Applications Freightliner currently is working with trucking software andcommunications providers to create applications for TruckProductivity Computer. One of the first third-party programs willbe a navigation package from ALK Associates. Princeton, N.J.-based ALK manufactures the popular PC*Miler(TM) software packagewidely used by truck fleets. Truck Productivity Computer runs on Microsoft(R) Windows(R)CE, a 32-bit operating system platform for a broad range ofcommunications, entertainment and mobile communications devices.Windows CE makes possible new categories of non-PC business andconsumer devices that can communicate with each other, shareinformation with Windows-based personal computers and access theInternet. With the proper software, Truck Productivity Computer couldalso record driver hours-of-service, Menig said. The Departmentof Transportation currently is exploring the use of on-boardelectronic devices that track truck driver work hours. Federallaw limits the amount of time a truck driver can operate acommercial vehicle before stopping to sleep. Currently, hours-of-service are recorded by drivers in a paper logbook, which can beaudited by federal inspectors. Looking Ahead The power and functionality of Truck Productivity Computerwill continue to grow as its software applications multiply,according to Menig. Freightliner also plans to augment thedevice's processing power and memory as new technologies becomeavailable. Truck Productivity Computer will be available for all Class 3-8 Freightliner, Sterling, American LaFrance and Thomas BuiltBuses nameplate trucks manufactured by Freightliner Corporation.Production begins in the second half of 2000. Freightliner alsoplans 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 theFreightliner, Sterling, American LaFrance and Thomas Built Busesnameplates and is a DaimlerChrysler company, the world's leadingcommercial vehicle manufacturer. On the Internet Visit the Freightliner Corporation Web Site atwww.freightliner.com for additional Freightliner news. otsOriginal Text Service: Freightliner Corporation Internet:http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Chris Brandt of FreightlinerCorporation, 503-735-5471 or fax, 503-735-5775 orchrisbrandt@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 bepublished under the "CTK" slug. Protext is a commercial serviceproviding distribution of press releases from clients, who areidentified in the text of Protext reports and who bear fullresponsibility for their contents.

PROTEXT