Zonar Systems

Zonar is an American fleet telematics and fleet management technology company based in Seattle, Washington. The company provides electronic vehicle inspection, GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and fleet management hardware and software for commercial, public-sector, and school bus fleets.

Founded in 2001, Zonar developed fleet technology used in commercial trucking and pupil transportation. The company received investment from Daimler Trucks North America in 2015, became majority-owned by Continental AG in 2016, and was sold by Continental to GPS Trackit in 2024.

History

Zonar was founded in 2001 by Brett Brinton, Bill Brinton, Eric Manegold, Dan Mayer, and Mike McQuade. The company developed hardware and software for fleet operators in industries including construction, transportation, utilities, and waste removal.

In 2015, Zonar raised $50 million in a funding round that included Daimler Trucks North America. At the time, GeekWire reported that Zonar had more than 400,000 telematics devices installed in vehicles and that its technology was used in more than 150,000 Daimler trucks and buses through Detroit Connect and Virtual Technician.

In 2016, Continental AG acquired a majority stake in Zonar. Heavy Duty Trucking reported that Continental acquired an 81 percent stake, while Daimler retained a 19 percent stake. Following the acquisition, Zonar continued to operate under its existing name.

In August 2024, GeekWire reported that Zonar had laid off 57 employees. The same report stated that Zonar employed more than 300 people across North America and noted that Continental had recently announced a restructuring effort involving its automotive business.

In December 2024, Continental sold Zonar to GPS Trackit, a fleet telematics company. Heavy Duty Trucking reported that Zonar would operate as part of GPS Trackit following the transaction.

Industry use and partnerships

Zonar's technology has been used in commercial trucking and school transportation. GeekWire reported in 2015 that Zonar's technology was used in more than 150,000 Daimler trucks and buses through Detroit Connect and Daimler Trucks North America's Virtual Technician system. FleetOwner reported in 2013 that Virtual Technician, developed by Zonar Systems for Daimler Trucks North America, transmitted real-time engine diagnostics and performance indicators to Detroit's customer support center.

In 2014, Thomas Built Buses partnered with Zonar to offer factory-installed telematics features as standard equipment on Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus models. In 2016, School Bus Fleet reported that Thomas Built Buses would make Zonar's V3 telematics control unit standard on Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour school buses.

In pupil transportation, School Bus Fleet reported in 2010 that First Student had begun rolling out Zonar's electronic fleet management system across its 60,000-vehicle fleet. The agreement included Zonar's EVIR Inspection System, V2J Vehicle Diagnostic Device, and Ground Traffic Control fleet management application.

In 2021, School Bus Fleet reported that Zonar's pupil transportation products supported electric school buses, including the capture of electric-vehicle CAN bus signal data during vehicle inspections.

Products and services

Zonar provides fleet telematics hardware and software, including systems for vehicle tracking, electronic inspection reporting, fleet maintenance, and vehicle diagnostics. Its Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting system, commonly abbreviated EVIR, is used to record pre-trip, post-trip, and child-check vehicle inspections.

Ownership

Daimler Trucks North America invested in Zonar in 2015. In 2016, Continental AG acquired an 81 percent majority stake in the company, while Daimler retained 19 percent. In 2024, Continental sold Zonar to GPS Trackit.