Contact:    tracy.darchini@daimler.com

High Point, N.C. – April 14, 2014 – Thomas Built Buses today announced it will partner with Seattle, Wash.-based Zonar Systems to provide factory-installed telematics features for Thomas Built Buses’ highly-regarded Saf-T-Liner® C2 models as standard equipment.

“This innovative electronic management solution will deliver valuable computerized information on maintenance issues and key engine events that could transform the school bus industry,” said Ken Hedgecock, Thomas Built Buses’ vice president of sales, marketing and service.

Thomas Built Buses, a Daimler Trucks North America brand, has been delivering continuous improvement and robust transportation solutions to school bus fleets across the nation since 1936.Thomas has a long history of launching innovative capabilities in the industry, like this new telematics platform.  Through this partnership with Zonar, Thomas Built Buses will offer a powerful on-board telematics option with the capacity to go far beyond just GPS tracking.

The Zonar platform will have the ability to send and receive data from the engine as well as provide insight on overall vehicle performance, driver behavior and monitoring of school bus passengers through Thomas Built’s unique multiplex wiring system.  

The data will provide real-time diagnostics, which fleet managers, drivers, dealers and Thomas Built technicians can use to determine maintenance issues and to identify ways to further decrease the total cost of ownership for school bus fleets.

These telematics features will be available on all Saf-T-Liner® C2 orders starting July, 2014.  They will also be available on all other models shortly thereafter. For more information on this new Zonar solution, visit a Thomas Built Buses dealer.  

About Zonar

Zonar provides verified electronic vehicle inspection, fleet GPS tracking and remote diagnostics systems for public and private fleets. Zonar’s onboard computer and vehicle inspection devices help fleets optimize maintenance resources, increase driver performance, reduce fuel costs and improve CSA compliance. For more information, visit www.zonarsystems.com.

About Thomas Built Buses

Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at www.thomasbus.com or at http://www.facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.

Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, N.C., is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a leading manufacturer of class 4-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.