Monthly Archives: January 2014

TRACKER links with Garmin.

24 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in Technical

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Tracker is well known to motorhome owners for its tracking devices.

Now, Tracker and Garmin have hooked up together in the fleet business.

TRACKER, the fleet telematics and stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, has formed an exclusive partnership with Garmin, the world’s leading mobile navigation technology company, to bring to market a superior fleet management solution – TRACKER Vision. The collaborative partnership combines TRACKER’s award-winning fleet telematics technology and back-office expertise with Garmin’s satellite navigation units. Under the new agreement, TRACKER wins ‘Garmin Authorised Partner’ status, demonstrating the value of its technological expertise.

TRACKER Vision harnesses the Garmin Nüvi 2508LT-D UK to enhance the market leading fleet tracking product, TRACKER Fleet. The system combines fleet tracking with job allocation, navigation, reporting and driver communication provided through a customisable, secure user website.

Garmin takes the lead in the development of automotive sat navs and produces a range of products for cars, vans and HGV – designed with, and for, the relevant end-users. It’s Nüvi range of sat navs includes models that offer Garmin’s new digital traffic alerts, speed limit and safety camera information and wide range of advanced navigation functions such as Active Lane Guidance through junctions, photoReal Junction View and even Real Directions using landmarks to guide drivers, for example “turn left at the traffic lights”.

Over time, TRACKER will roll out versions of TRACKER Vision utilising a variety of Garmin sat navs for its fleet tracking solutions, giving businesses a flexible, scalable and affordable fleet management solution.

Garmin’s Director of Fleet Management & Commercial Business for EMEA and APAC, Clive Taylor, comments: “We’re delighted TRACKER has chosen to partner with Garmin for its fleet solutions. Our aim is to work with TRACKER to provide premium navigation and traffic information for TRACKER’s customers as well as improved communications and management for fleets, no matter what the size.

“This includes two-way messaging, task management information direct to the driver’s screen, job scheduling and ETA to the fleet manager. We look forward to working together TRACKER to provide an excellent service to their customers and with the specific aim to bring real benefits to their business.”

Stephen Doran, Managing Director for TRACKER says, “This partnership sees the mutual coming together of two leaders in their respective fields and the creation of TRACKER Vision, the first of a suite of tools designed to deliver a new level of control to fleet operators managing cars and commercial vehicles. It is a strategic union; TRACKER becomes the chosen fleet management provider for Garmin, as it becomes our chosen mobile navigation technology partner and the future will see us make significant technology strides together.

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

The Glory Years return.

23 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by in Exhibitions and Shows

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More than 25,000 caravan and motorhome enthusiasts are expected to descend on the city as industry bosses claim a ‘return to the glory years’ of camping holidays.

The four-day Caravan and Motorhome Show 2014 will be held at the Event City complex in Trafford Park from tomorrow with 27,500 people set to attend.

The showpiece is one of the biggest events in the calendar for the £6bn-a-year industry and the predicted record turnout is said by experts to mark a change in fortunes for traditional UK breaks.

Caravan and motorhome sales are currently experiencing a five per cent improvement year-on-year and campsites have also saw visitor numbers climb 15 per cent in 2013.

Sam North, director of the Caravan and Motorhome show, said the flexibility of camping and caravan holidays during uncertain economic times has seen a renaissance in their popularity.

He said: “We’re seeing lots more interest coming from newcomers for this year which bodes really well. As consumers look to leave holiday decisions later, having the freedom to hit the road at a moments notice is even more appealing.

“Sales of caravans and motorhomes are looking at growth of around five per cent this year – which represents more than £35 million – and goes a long way to support our economy as it leads to follow on spend at campsites, local pubs, seaside resorts and other tourist attractions.”

Touring holidays fell out of favour with many British holidaymakers as package breaks and low-cast airlines became more popular in the mid-1990s.

But the industry has reinvented itself in recent years, removing the homespun image of yesteryear and attracting new customers with hi-tech portable homes which have given rise to the term ‘glamping’ – or ‘glamorous camping’.

Mr North added: “The products themselves are getting better and better.

“Freeview TVs, Bluetooth sound systems, central heating are amongst the amazing finishing details being turned out.“We’re seeing lots more interest coming from newcomers for this year which bodes really well. Last year also saw current caravanners take more holidays than the year before so things are really looking up.”

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

Nouan-le-Fuzelier.

14 Tuesday Jan 2014

Posted by in Places

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I like getting off the main roads in France when I can and seeing a bit more of real France by using some of the secondary routes. Such an example is the very straight road between Vierzon and Orléans – the N20 – which takes you through the village of Nouan-le-Fuzelier which has a very convenient aire next to the park and very close to the village. A good spot for me as it overlooks the railway station with plenty of trains to occupy me. There were three UK registered motorhomes on the aire; mine and two others. The other two were migrating south to winter in Spain and I was in not quite such a good position heading home to face another gale and more rain and flooding.

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

Sauzé-Vaussais.

14 Tuesday Jan 2014

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Every now and again I have to remind myself just how easy it is to travel in France using the aires system. I have been spending a few days touring and seeing friends near Bordeaux and armed with the Open All Year list of aires it has been a joy. One good example is the small town of Sauzé-Vaussais south east of Poitiers which has an aire outside the town hall next to the manned fire station.

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews