SIEMENS has merged its Datatrak and VDO Trading businesses in order to create a 'centre of excellence' for in-vehicle telematics, with fleets a key target.

Siemens VDO Trading has expertise in in-vehicle navigation and on-board computers, while Siemens Datatrak provides real-time tracking and stolen vehicle tracking systems.

The companies say that together they will combine to offer a range of vehicle-based telematics solutions for fleets.

A spokesman said: 'The merger will see the flow of real-time location-based information derived from Datatrak enhanced in many ways, for example to include fuel consumption, temperature of load, quality of driving and accident data, as well as being fully integrated with VDO Dayton navigation systems.'