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Business Services Industry

Cool tools: there's a dazzling array of handy extras to choose from

Entrepreneur, Dec, 2003 by Jill Amadio

Today's commercial vehicles offer a bevy of useful tech tools. Navigational systems haven't changed much compared with last year's models, but it's worth reading your owner's manual to understand the benefits your GPS offers. Example: OnStar (www.onstar.com), available on some 70 GM vehicles, can help police track a vehicle if it's stolen or notify emergency services if an air bag deploys, indicating an accident.

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Automatic vehicle location systems (AVLs) keep you informed via computer when and where your vehicles are being driven and how. If your vehicles aren't equipped with AVL systems, you can buy one aftermarket. Mirus Technologies Inc. (www. mirustech.com) sells AVL software that can be customized for commercial fleets. TerraTrak's AVL kit (www.vehiclelocationsystem.com) has hardware, software and maps so you can pinpoint vehicle locations and reroute them. VehicleTrack.com produces real-time reports showing each vehicle's speed, route and destination. WebTech Wireless' AVL (www.webtechwireless.com) transmits data to a central hub, accessed with a password for privacy.

Keep drivers happy on the road with 100-station satellite radio services like Sirius (www.sirius.com) or XM Satellite Radio (www.xmradio.com). Chrysler includes Sirius radios as a dealer-installed option on most vans and pickups; GM and Suzuki models can be equipped with XM Radio. Sirius and XM radios can also be purchased at retailers such as Best Buy and Circuit City. Subscription fees for satellite radio are about $10 per month.

Ford is offering a slew of gadgets, including a new technology called TrafficView that gives drivers a better view of traffic on an instrument panel display as part of the telematics system. Ford's AdvanceTrac monitors seven factors on the road, including the steering system and wheel speed, to determine whether the vehicle is following the driver's intended path; if not, it brakes to stabilize the car. Ford's reverse sensing system, available on the F-150 series, warns of impending collisions and assists with parking. F-150 models also offer an overhead modular rail system to which you can attach storage options and entertainment systems. Chevrolet's Silverado alerts drivers to icy roads with an "Ice Possible" indicator on the dash.

Business Services Industry

Cool tools: there's a dazzling array of handy extras to choose from

Entrepreneur, Dec, 2003 by Jill Amadio

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