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EROAD announces next-generation platform

EROAD has announced the release of its world-leading, second-generation in-vehicle hardware, Ehubo2, which supports multiple applications on a single device.

The first application for the new Ehubo2 platform is Drive Buddy; a software system that supports safe driving by providing real-time feedback on a 
visual display.

Drive Buddy’s screen shows accurate vehicle speed, alerting drivers using a simple system of green/amber/red icons. Harsh braking, sharp cornering and unnecessary idling also generate driver alerts.

EROAD CEO Steven Newman says Drive Buddy has been designed to provide real-time in-vehicle feedback in an informative, positive way without distracting drivers.

“In-vehicle technology has a crucial role to play in making vehicles safer workplaces,” Steven says. “We’re confident that Ehubo2 will make compliance with health and safety regulations significantly easier for the transport sector.”

Mount Maunganui logistics company NZL Group installed Drive Buddy in 70 trucks in preparation for impending changes in health and safety legislation.

NZL Group senior projects manager, Lajanne Smith says that when the company decided to take part in EROAD’s Drive Buddy field pilot, its aim as an organisation was to reduce speed and provide the best in-cab tools for its drivers.

“We knew we needed to be more proactive around better driver behaviour and not just rely on GPS units,” Lajanne said.

“Drive Buddy acts as a guide to the driver. We’ve noticed a huge decrease in vehicle speeding since we installed it.”

EROAD expects Ehubo2 to be approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency as an electronic distance recorder by the end of 2015. Ehubo2 will also support EROAD’s messaging product, EZmessage and Driver ID, which assigns a driver to a particular vehicle.

To see how Drive Buddy works, visit www.eroad.co.nz/nz/why-eroad#videos

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