Volvo Trucks is also equipping all vehicles with a Quick Response (QR) code to further streamline service and repair activities.
“Geo-fencing and QR code technologies present an exciting opportunity to build on the capabilities of the connected vehicle platform we introduced last year with Remote Diagnostics,” said David Pardue, Volvo Trucks vice president of aftermarket solutions. “New and innovative technologies are opening the door for us to be even more proactive and offer services to expedite the repair process.”
Geo-fencing
Geo-fencing technology enhances Remote Diagnostics, a standard feature on all Volvo-powered trucks, which provides proactive diagnostic and repair planning assistance. The technology will help Volvo dealers and staff at Volvo’s Uptime Center better understand the repair process, determine the most efficient way to address a repair situation and measure time to completion of repair at the service facility.
Geo-fencing entails establishing a virtual perimeter determined by GPS coordinates around each of Volvo’s North American dealer locations. Volvo trucks equipped with Remote Diagnostics, standard on all Volvo-powered trucks, communicate with the geo-fence to identify each time the vehicle enters or leaves a Volvo dealer location.
Remote Diagnostics
Remote Diagnostics provides proactive diagnostic and repair planning assistance. The connected vehicle platform has demonstrated a marked improvement in repair accuracy and efficiency, reducing the average diagnostic time at a service location by 71 percent and lowering the average time of repair by 25 percent. Volvo has built more than 8,500 trucks with the Remote Diagnostics since its 2012 introduction.
QR Codes
Beginning in April, all new Volvo trucks will come factory-equipped with a unique QR code that’s tied to the vehicle’s VIN number. Scanning the code with a QR reader, available for download on any smart phone or tablet device or tablet, provides access to detailed service records in ASIST, Volvo’s web-based service management tool.
QR codes facilitate an accurate, consistent and efficient check-in process throughout the Volvo dealer network. Once the QR code is read, many functions can be performed from the smart device including CSA inspections. The data can then be sent wirelessly inside the dealership or even directly to the customer utilizing the ASIST tool.
Vital vehicle information, like the year, model, serial number and last odometer reading is automatically transferred to ASIST each time the code is scanned, reducing the amount of time technicians must spend inputting data and checking a vehicle in for service.
Volvo Trucks North America’s operations and products are guided by the company’s three core values: Quality, Safety and Environmental Care. The Volvo VNM, VNL, VHD and VAH trucks are assembled in the United States at the New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia, while Volvo engines for North America are assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. Both plants are certified to ISO14001 environmental and ISO9001 quality standards.
The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs about 115,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets. In 2012, the Volvo Group’s sales amounted to $45 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo shares are listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and are traded OTC in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.volvogroup.com or www.volvogroup.mobi if you are using your mobile phone.
March 11, 2013