Volvo first OEM to develop satellite in-vehicle communications

Volvo Trucks
Volvo Trucks has become the first heavy-duty truck OEM to develop and market a fully integrated satellite vehicle communications system called Volvo Link.

The company says Volvo Link offers drivers and terminal mangers two-way satellite communication at what the company claims is cellular technology prices. If factory installed, the system costs $15 a month plus per usage fees of about 20-50 cents, per truck. Volvo is currently offering the product for no sign up fee and just $3 a month until Sept. 30.

Volvo link requires no keyboard strokes to send messages from vehicle to terminal. The windshield wiper control arm on the steering column is used to scroll through a list of standardized pre-formatted messages or to create customized messages. The Driver Message Center 9incorperated into the dash of every 2000 model and newer Volvo truck) provides the display for incoming and outgoing text without altering the aesthetics of the Volvo Link.

Dispatchers use the Internet to send or receive messages and retrieve other vehicle information and operating parameters, such as such as fuel economy data, field trip, and average speed of a single truck or entire fleet. Moreover, users can view the information either numerically or as graphic diagrams and charts.

Volvo Link can be factory-installed or retrofitted to any late model Volvo VN or VHD.