Truckmakers are collaborating on connected ecosystems

Trucking has long relied on vehicle connectivity to boost efficiency, with the first telematics applications emerging in the 1990s. But the rise of improved connectivity and a greater wealth of connected services is affecting a transformation that goes far beyond the vehicle itself: it is changing the very nature of the business, and as a result, the role of the truckmakers is also set to evolve. The big names are now preparing for these changes, with the establishment of connected vehicle platforms and partnerships with other stakeholders. What challenges will the OEMs face, and what opportunities lie in store for them?