ABI Research sees a Blockbuster Year For Commercial Telematics Translating to New Opportunities for 2006.

OYSTER BAY, N.Y. -- An unprecedented level of growth for the commercial telematics industry in 2005 points toward continued momentum in the coming year, according to the latest edition of ABI Research's Commercial Telematics Research Service.

"We expect several current developments to spell out new market opportunities in the future," says Frank Viquez, Director of ABI Research's Transportation Research practice. "For example, the boom in the trailer tracking market will draw attention to opportunities in intermodal cargo container and railcar tracking markets. Also, current consolidation among courier/third party logistics providers (3PLs) is fueling the need for these firms to adopt telematics solutions in order to help increase asset visibility, and speed communications with their customers."

China is seen as one of the bigger opportunities for telematics vendors. Foreign 3PLs such as TNT, UPS, DHL, Ryder and FedEx have been under pressure from their customers to expand operations in this region in order to increase capacity and offer full end-to-end logistics solutions. Customers with manufacturing facilities in China require 3PLs to provide full visibility and control of raw material and parts shipments as well as finished goods. This translates to an inherent need to adopt new technologies, including fleet tracking solutions.

In North America, ownership and management of intermodal trailers and containers is currently passing from railroad companies to trucking carriers, which may provide a windfall for traditional trailer tracking vendors. During the last year trucking fleets have felt the impact of driver shortages and increased diesel prices, which may force shippers to rely more on rail transport to help solve capacity constraints.

ABI Research's Commercial Telematics Research Service examines these issues, surveys the entire commercial (fleet) telematics industry, and provides insight into other major market developments. This subscription service includes research reports, market updates, and a user-searchable forecast database. Ancillary technologies such as cellular, satellite, DSRC, Wi-Fi, UWB and RFID are also analyzed for their potential. Subscribers also receive analyst support time and ABI Research's ABI Insights.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations that support annual research programs, intelligence services and market reports in transportation, wireless semiconductors, broadband, and energy. For more information please visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.