Today’s New York Times has an Op-ed piece by Robin Chase, the founder and former chief executive of Zipcar.  Mr. Chase puts forth the proposition that a simple solution to getting out ahead of potential safety issues such as the current Toyota accelerator problem is real-time access to vehicles’ “black boxes” via wireless applications.

Today’s Wall Street Journal has an article entitled “Heists Targeting Truckers On Rise”. The story outlines the increase in trucking freight theft since the current recession started.

According to a new research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, 3.5 million passenger cars in Europe will have an on-board telematics device at the end of 2009.

 

The focus of ITS has been on road-infrastructure-based traffic flow management aimed at increasing the travel efficiency of personal and commercial vehicles. But the decreasing traffic congestion levels have shifted attention elsewhere.

PSA Peugeot Citroën has signed a contract with Sierra Wireless covering remote monitoring and upgrade services for long-term maintenance of in-car telematics systems.

Telematics Update's Rebecca Mantle interviewed Frank Pellitta, vice president of wireless & telematics at InstallerNet, in the lead up to the flagship commercial fleet & Information Communication Technology (ICT) event, Fleet & Asset Management USA 2009.

Brandmotion has launched Autostrata.com - a web portal specialising in consumer automotive aftermarket telematics applications.

In terms of a new partnership, Boston-based InstallerNet will provide installation services for Enfora's vehicle tracking and monitoring products across the US.

According to Jasper Wireless, the EU's reborn support for eCall is an interesting development for the telecomms industry.

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has issued final pay-as-you-drive regulations that will enable insurers to offer vehicle insurance rates based on actual miles driven as opposed to estimated miles driven.