Networkfleet will provide Sonoma County, Calif., with its patented diagnostic and GPS tracking system to reduce fuel costs and lower greenhouse emissions for the county’s fleet of 1,000 vehicles. During the pilot phase of the Networkfleet implementation, the County achieved a 15 to 30 percent increase in mpg, which the company expects to replicate across the fleet.

The Fleet Operations Division in Sonoma County is recognized as a leader for its 22-year history of environmentally friendly practices, including the use of hybrid and compressed natural gas vehicles, according to the company, which adds Fleet Operations will further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using the Networkfleet system to wirelessly monitor mpg, idle time, engine diagnostics and emissions and to provide customer departments with the ability to better plan and dispatch field employees.

After a competitive request-for-proposal process, Networkfleet was selected primarily because of its location tracking, remote diagnostic monitoring (Networkfleet connects directly to the vehicle’s engine computer (OBDII) to transmit diagnostic trouble codes so engine problems can be identified and repaired), vehicle performance data and AssetWorks FleetFocus maintenance management system.

The county can schedule regular maintenance without having to manually check odometer readings, the company adds.

“After our initial pilot evaluation of Networkfleet, we determined that the savings in fuel costs alone would pay for the system,” says Dave Head, fleet manager for Sonoma County. “With the Networkfleet system, we can also use our vehicles more efficiently, perform preventive maintenance and repair engine problems early. In addition, being able to monitor and reduce idle time contributes to our efforts in reducing greenhouse gases.”

“The county of Sonoma is very progressive in terms of its approach to reducing operating costs and lowering greenhouse gas emissions," says Keith Schneider, president of Networkfleet. "Networkfleet is pleased to be able to provide a system that meets all of their needs. We hope to help other government agencies and commercial fleets reduce expenses and improve air quality. These two areas are of vital importance to our economy and our climate.”

For more information, visit www.networkfleet.com and www.hughestelematics.com.