The first all-in-one telematics and diagnostic ‘black box’ has been launched.

Combining telematics, including an accelerometer, and diagnostics, it allows fleet managers to receive real-time information on vehicle position, activity and condition.

This includes fault descriptions such as ‘low engine oil pressure’ or ‘brake pad wear’, as well as information on driver behaviour, with heavy acceleration and harsh braking recorded.

In addition, vehicle performance, such as exact fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be taken directly taken from the vehicle’s CANbus.

Trimble MRM said the new TVG 660 can be used in all makes and models and has already been homologated by Volkswagen. The system is also able to be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

In tests with DHL the system has delivered up to a 12% reduction in fuel costs, 15% reduction in vehicle maintenance and an 18% improvement in driver compliance.

“With its ability to work across all vehicle types this advanced solution solves a major problem for those companies employing multi-vehicle fleets, which have been struggling with a variety of incompatible systems for GPS tracking or diagnostics,” said Andrew Yeoman, Trimble MRM managing director.

“The TVG 660 has the added benefit of keeping hardware costs to a minimum as it is combined in a one-box solution with GPS and doesn’t require the traditional separate box to deliver accurate diagnostics.”