The lack of standard platforms and defined original equipment is likely to favour aftermarket telematics systems in commercial vehicles, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


While their multiple benefits are likely to underpin steady demand for portable telematics systems, the establishment of a unified industry architecture will be critical to promoting sustained uptake.


Frost & Sullivan’s White Paper Analysis on the Place of Portable Telematics in the European Commercial Vehicle (CV) Market, reveals that revenue in this industry totalled EUR7.93bn in 2005 and can reach EUR23.02bn in 2011.


“Despite end users defining and dictating features of telematics systems, the future of this market depends on the development of portable devices that can support embedded fixed in-cab systems,” said Frost & Sullivan transportation practice programme director Miranda Tooth.


“The aftermarket telematics systems will be replaced by original equipment fixed in-cab telematics systems due to the increased need for standardisation.”


The two most important features offered in telematics – fleet management and navigation – vary according to the business category.


End-users prefer fleet management systems to be fixed and navigation systems to be portable. The dependence on navigation systems will ensure consistent demand for portable systems in future, despite the presence of more advanced features in fixed in-cab telematics systems.


At present, the greatest challenge that the commercial vehicle segment of the telematics industry is facing is the integration of end-user preferred telematics features with fixed and portable systems at affordable prices.


In addition, government regulations restricting the use of handheld and mobile devices while driving, is deterring the growth of the portable telematics market. The increased importance of telematics in commercial vehicles will drive vehicle manufacturers to build embedded systems in the vehicle thereby potentially hindering the growth of the portable telematics market.


“In order to increase the penetration rate of portable telematics systems in the commercial vehicles segment and help end users to gain benefits on a large scale, manufacturers need to restructure the commercial vehicle telematics industry,” noted Tooth.


“Also, manufacturers of commercial vehicles and telematics systems need to work in conjunction to design portable systems that are suited for the automotive environment, as a lack of this acts as a major deterrent to widespread adoption.”

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Auto Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Continental has secured the Window Displays Innovation Award in the 2025 Just Auto Excellence Awards for its Window Projection solution, transforming side windows into dynamic, data-rich canvases. Discover how this compact projection technology and intelligent software are reshaping in-car UX and opening fresh revenue streams for OEMs and mobility providers.

Discover the Impact