Compact, robust and powerful: Siemens VDO presents new navigation computer for fleet management

The new unit for professional use on company cars or commercial vehicles thus does entirely without CD ROMs. This trend-setting system change has a number of benefits for fleet operators: the unit is cheaper than comparable DVD or CD systems and takes up a lot less space. Moreover, by dispensing with a conventional CD or DVD drive, the device is far more robust.

The PC 5200pro no longer relies on data stored on a CD or DVD but employs a compact memory card of the kind used in mobile phones or digital cameras. This has a capacity of 2 GB, and thus contains the entire road network and all points of interest in Europe. Dispensing with a conventional drive makes the unit very economical and allows a much more compact and robust design without compromising in any way on processing power. As the navigation system no longer has any moving parts, it is insensitive to shocks and vibration. Moreover, in contrast to CD or DVD-based systems, the box, which measures only 13 x 12 x 3.7 centimeters in size, can be fitted anywhere, even overhead.

Parallel with the switch to the new memory technology, Siemens VDO has further optimized numerous functions. For instance, the PC 5200pro now features 3D displays. If drivers wish, they can also view the navigation area from above, from a bird’s eye view. In addition, a TMC receiver is now integrated as a standard feature on the PC 5200pro. So the system constantly gathers information about congestions or traffic obstructions along the route and can offer drivers alternative routes if they wish. The range of screens available includes three different surface-mounted monitors (7 inch, 5.8 inch and 3.8 inch) as well as an extending monitor for the radio compartment.

The new navigation processing unit is designed to serve as a universal element in a freely configurable fleet management program. It can be combined with onboard computers from Siemens VDO’s range. In interaction with the fleet management software this allows key fleet management functions such as messaging, tracking and tracing. So the control center can continue to send orders and messages to the vehicle online via a GPRS link, track positions in real time on the screen, call up status reports and analyze congestions or diversions reported via TMC. In addition, new destinations can be fed from the fleet management control center directly into the navigation system. In this way, companies can increase efficiency and cut costs. As the PC 5200pro features an open architecture interface it can be used by any fleet management provider and system integrator, and be integrated into their fleet management system.

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Siemens VDO Automotive (Regensburg), a group of Siemens AG, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of electronics and mechatronics for the automotive industry. With its products, it enables individual mobility and the efficient transportation of goods by road in modern societies. As development partner of the automotive industry, the company manufactures automotive electronics and mechatronics for reducing emissions, enhancing safety and driving comfort, and keeping drivers informed and in touch with the outside world. Siemens VDO generated sales of over EUR 10 billion and achieved results of EUR 669 million based on US-GAAP in the 2006 business year (30.9.2006).