A FLEET telematics specialist is set to boost its presence in France after agreeing a partnership with France Telecom.

Thales Telematics will offer the company's corporate customers a range of telematics, global positioning and communications services, covering vehicle location and monitoring, fleet management, logistics, security and prevention of theft for cargos, vehicles and drivers.

Homaira Akbari, chief operating officer of Thales Telematics, said: 'From its standing within the French commercial and industrial base, France Telecom is, for us, an ally of choice who is going to accelerate our expansion plans for our telematics services and solutions.'

Daniel Delestre, director of key accounts at France Telecom, said: 'Corporate customers such as large French companies which have fleets of vehicles to manage and optimise are now going to have access, with this Thales Telematics agreement, to the best of the technology and telematics services available to increase their profitability.'