Knorr-Bremse partners with Microlise in telematics deal

The world’s leading manufacturer of braking systems for commercial vehicles, Knorr-Bremse, has partnered UK -ased telematics provider Microlise in a move that will see a range of transport management products launched across Europe.

The agreement between the two companies, announced at Automechanika 2016 in Frankfurt, will result in the launch of Knorr-Bremse TruckServices ProFleet Connect, which will be available from January 2017 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with availability more widely in Europe in the following years.

The ProFleet Connect range of products will be sold directly by Knorr-Bremse and has a development roadmap in place which will see it evolve and adapt over time to meet dynamic market requirements. The agreement marks the first time Knorr-Bremse has entered the telematics space.

Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Systems division, said:

“With TruckServices ProFleet Connect, we are offering more than just a link between the vehicle and the fleet management system. We are delivering smart services which, based on the collected data, offer added value for fleet operators and drivers alike. And our telematics solution is not only modular, it’s also compatible with any make of vehicle. In Microlise we have found a partner who already has working relationships with a whole series of vehicle manufacturers and together with whom we are going to launch our range of attractive products and services for the transport management sector in Europe.”

This agreement is the latest addition to the Microlise channel partner programme. The UK-headquartered company has existing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationships with DAF Trucks, JCB, MAN Truck & Bus and Tata Motors.