Masternaut has launched a new device to expand the use of telematics beyond the permanent fleet.

The M300 is a simple self-install track-and-trace device which allows companies to easily add short-term hire vehicles and any other vehicles not currently tracked to their existing fleet management dashboard.

Short-term hire vehicles account for around 20% of fleets and they are not usually equipped with telematics due to installation costs and logistical challenges.

The Masternaut M300 is mounted to the vehicle’s windscreen and ready to use within minutes. As it is powered by a built-in battery, it can be removed with ease and reinstalled in any vehicle, avoiding vehicle downtime and the cost of an engineer.

Dhruv Parekh, Masternaut’s CEO, said: “In a few years, it won’t matter which telematics device or connected car reports vehicle data - all data needs to be analysed on one platform.

“The M300 is consistent with our strategy to remove installation hurdles and make collecting vehicle data from various sources on our platform easy, so we can provide better insights to our customers. The M300 will help our customers expand their view to their entire fleet and optimise business impact through telematics.”