In Snellville, the local community's Parks and Recreation Department joined forces with Georgia Cool Cruisers to hold their much-anticipated annual Car Show at Briscoe Park. This event, now in its seventh year, brings together car enthusiasts and the community with a unique touch of philanthropy. The November car show this year was a remarkable success, with a generous donation of $2,318. All of this money was directly channeled to the Snellville Police Department's Shop with a Cop program, which gives families in need the chance to go shopping for Christmas presents with the help of police officers. The raised funds enabled the inclusion of 10 more families compared to the previous year, significantly enhancing the program's ability to spread holiday cheer.

Community Impact and Director's Perspective

According to a statement from the official City of Snellville news release, Lisa A Platt, the CPRP Director of Parks and Recreation, emphasized the significance of the event. She said, "The Cool Cars at Briscoe event is truly one of our standout events. On the day of the show, people of all ages can come and enjoy the amazing cars, delicious food, and have a great time. But what makes this event even more special is that all the donations go towards the Snellville police Shop with a Cop program. These generous contributions will allow more families and kids to experience the joy of a shopping spree, ensuring they have a holiday filled with gifts they might not otherwise have."The impact of the event on the community is clear, as it brings people together and supports a worthy cause.

Event Popularity and Future Plans

Officials are not only satisfied with the outcome of the event but also with its popularity among the car club community and the general public. In recognition of its success, a second car show is scheduled to take place at Briscoe Park every April, supplementing the traditional November event. This expansion shows the community's enthusiasm and continued support for the initiative.Meghan Meegan, the Parks and Recreation program coordinator, expressed her excitement, saying, "We are extremely pleased that we can collaborate with the Snellville PD each year during this event, and this will remain our November car show charity. We look forward to continuing this tradition and bringing more joy to the community."Attendees can mark their calendars for the 2025 car shows, which will be held on April 26 and November 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This reaffirms the department's commitment to these community-enhancing occasions and the positive impact they have on the lives of many.

Telematics have emerged as a powerful tool, providing fleets and shops with an extensive range of information. From engine health to efficiency and performance metrics, these systems offer valuable insights. However, not all employees are aware of how to make the most of this digital wealth. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of telematics and how they can transform fleet and shop operations.

Harnessing Telematics for Enhanced Fleet and Shop Management

Telematics: A Treasure Trove of Information

Telematics offer fleets and shops a wealth of data. It goes beyond just fault codes, providing details on engine health, efficiency metrics, and performance indicators. For example, a fleet manager can monitor the fuel consumption of each vehicle in real-time, identify patterns of inefficiency, and take proactive measures to optimize operations. This data-driven approach allows for more informed decision-making and can lead to significant cost savings.Another aspect is the ability to track vehicle locations and mileage. This information is crucial for fleet management, as it enables efficient route planning and reduces unnecessary mileage. By having a clear understanding of where each vehicle is at any given time, fleets can optimize their operations and minimize downtime.

Modern Remote Diagnostics: Going Beyond Error Codes

Modern remote diagnostics take telematics to the next level. Instead of simply sharing technical error codes, these solutions provide a comprehensive view of a vehicle's fault codes and relevant data. For instance, when a fault occurs, the system not only shares the error code but also includes information such as the vehicle's location, mileage, and operational history. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis and a quicker response to issues.As Paul Smith, VP of business development for custom solutions at Noregon, explains, "It's not just a matter of knowing if a vehicle needs repairs; you have to know where you can send it for repair." With remote diagnostics, fleets can accurately diagnose issues, identify the needed repairs, and schedule appointments in advance, ensuring a seamless repair process.

Accessible Fault Information: Adding Context

Since mid-2012, Volvo Trucks North America has made remote diagnostics standard on its vehicles. The main benefit, according to Magnus Gustafson, VTNA VP of Connected Services, is adding context to fault data. Alongside fault information, remote diagnostics solutions share convenient and accessible details about the code, such as its meaning, urgency level, and the necessary parts and services for repairs.This helps users understand their vehicles' problems without needing in-depth technical expertise. For example, by looking at patterns and operational values in combination with fault codes, users can gain a better understanding of the issue at hand. Volvo's analytics engine listens to truck data and follows a set of logic rules to provide highly accurate diagnoses.

Clear Fault Urgency: Early Warning System

Fault urgency guidance is a key feature of remote diagnostics solutions. It helps users understand the impact an error will have on the vehicle and allows for timely action. For instance, VTNA uses a two-color classification system (yellow and red) to indicate the urgency of an issue. Yellow cases require attention but the truck can continue its mission, while red cases demand immediate attention and may lead to a diversion.Other providers, like Kenworth and Noregon, use a four-color classification system (green, yellow, orange, and red). This broad categorization helps users quickly determine whether they can keep the vehicle running or if immediate action is required. By addressing issues promptly, fleets can minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs.

Quick, Coordinated Repair: Reducing Downtime

Many remote diagnostics platforms can connect fleets to support staff or nearby shops, facilitating quick repairs. This not only reduces downtime for the fleet but also enhances the efficiency of the repair shop. As Magnus Gustafson says, "You don't have to take the truck out of service if you don't have to; that's the ultimate benefit."For example, when a vehicle stops running due to a fault, the remote diagnostics system can quickly connect the fleet to the nearest available repair facility. The pre-diagnosed issue allows for a faster turnaround time, reducing the overall downtime for the fleet. Lazer Logistics' DiPietro finds that remote diagnostics boosts the company's efficiency by enabling proactive maintenance. By basing maintenance intervals on the vehicle's actual condition, they can save time and money.

The Future of Telematics: Continued Growth and Innovation

Over time, remote diagnostics solutions have become more accurate, informative, and useful for fleets and shops. The diagnostic logic is constantly improving, reducing false diagnoses. Vehicles are also becoming smarter, adding new streams of data on key assets outside the powertrain.For example, VTNA's new VNL introduces a new 24-volt electrical architecture that enables faster, lighter, and more accurate diagnostics operations. Looking further ahead, Noregon's Smith believes that artificial intelligence could play a significant role in finding even more accurate diagnostics from the growing wealth of asset data. Perhaps in the future, vehicles will be able to self-diagnose and self-schedule their own maintenance appointments.In conclusion, telematics have the potential to revolutionize fleet and shop management. By leveraging the power of these systems, fleets can optimize their operations, reduce downtime, and enhance safety. As technology continues to advance, the future of telematics looks promising.