HUGHES Telematics will support Next Generation Telematics Protocol if it doesn‘t already, according to Kevin Link, vice president of marketing.

BMW, Connexis LLC, and WirelessCar were the first organizations to collaborate under the NGTP banner. Their goal is to establish a more stable and uniform interface infrastructure for end-to-end telematics services.

“When we started to develop a telematics system for Chrysler, we wanted to ensure that our architecture would be open to support other OEMs,” said Link. “When we met with NGTP thought leaders last year, we realized that our paths not only crossed, but were aligned. Their goal and ours is to have the flexibility to integrate pieces along the telematics value chain so as not to become locked in.”

Link said the NGTP vision has been defined, but agreement has yet to be reached on protocol specifications. “We think we‘ve implemented NGTP, because our OEM customers - using different hardware suppliers, carriers, and call center providers - all hook into the same system. We‘ve created an open platform, and when the NGTP protocols are defined, we will adopt them. “ In the meantime, Link said that HUGHES Telematics intends to continue working with the NGTP.

HUGHES plans to market its OEM telematics solutions under the Cocero brand, it markets fleet services through its Networkfleet subsidiary, formerly known as Networkcar, and at CES HUGHES announced its entry into the aftermarket with a product called in-Drive, aimed at OEMs, insurance companies, and auto clubs.

Link said in-Drive can support usage-based insurance or pay as you drive (PAYD) programs. It can also be used for stolen vehicle or family vehicle identification, and could include a button to push for emergency or roadside assistance. “It‘s not a full-service replica of our embedded solution, but it can provide several valuable services.”

HUGHES Telematics will support Next Generation Telematics Protocol if it doesn‘t already, according to Kevin Link, vice president of marketing.

BMW, Connexis LLC, and WirelessCar were the first organizations to collaborate under the NGTP banner. Their goal is to establish a more stable and uniform interface infrastructure for end-to-end telematics services.

“When we started to develop a telematics system for Chrysler, we wanted to ensure that our architecture would be open to support other OEMs,” said Link. “When we met with NGTP thought leaders last year, we realized that our paths not only crossed, but were aligned. Their goal and ours is to have the flexibility to integrate pieces along the telematics value chain so as not to become locked in.”

Link said the NGTP vision has been defined, but agreement has yet to be reached on protocol specifications. “We think we‘ve implemented NGTP, because our OEM customers - using different hardware suppliers, carriers, and call center providers - all hook into the same system. We‘ve created an open platform, and when the NGTP protocols are defined, we will adopt them. “ In the meantime, Link said that HUGHES Telematics intends to continue working with the NGTP.

HUGHES plans to market its OEM telematics solutions under the Cocero brand, it markets fleet services through its Networkfleet subsidiary, formerly known as Networkcar, and at CES HUGHES announced its entry into the aftermarket with a product called in-Drive, aimed at OEMs, insurance companies, and auto clubs.

Link said in-Drive can support usage-based insurance or pay as you drive (PAYD) programs. It can also be used for stolen vehicle or family vehicle identification, and could include a button to push for emergency or roadside assistance. “It‘s not a full-service replica of our embedded solution, but it can provide several valuable services.”