GPS vehicle tracking systems

	The TZ-AVL01 from T-zone supports GSM 900MHz, 1,800MHz and 1,900MHz. It features anti-theft and allows users to dial a default telephone number.

Available AVLs support GSM or CDMA, with GSM-based units leading current supply.

China’s nascent automatic vehicle locator (AVL) manufacturing industry is preparing for an upturn as new entrants expand the supplier base and makers gear up for rising demand. Although the product line’s secondary status will not likely change in the next few months, makers said continued rise in demand will boost product development and production in the long term.

China has 40 suppliers of AVL products. Most makers ventured into the product line only in 2006 from the GPS industry, supplying GPS trackers, GPS navigation systems and car alarm systems. Half of the supplier base is clustered in Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province. Some makers can also be found in Xiamen in Fujian province, Beijing, Wuhan in Hubei, and Shenyang in Liaoning.

China’s suppliers provide CDMA- and GSM-based AVLs. These locators are designed for use in various service vehicles, such as ambulances, armored trucks, fire trucks, police vehicles, taxis, buses and logistics trucks.

GSM models and AVLs for enterprise applications make up the bulk of China’s AVL output. However, locators for private vehicles may soon take up a larger share of production as demand from private car owners surges worldwide.

China suppliers of auto vehicle locators offer two types of products: CDMA- and GSM-based AVLs. With GSM networks being more established worldwide, GSM-based AVLs dominate China’s supply market.

The functions of low-end, midrange and high-end AVLs, as well as GSM- and CDMA-based models, are almost similar. The main difference lies in the components and materials used. Both CDMA and GSM AVL types integrate GPS modules, which are usually sourced from SiRF. Makers of CDMA-based AVLs use Qualcomm’s GPSone technology to enhance their products’ positioning accuracy.

Mainstream AVLs from China feature realtime vehicle tracking and vehicle position checking through SMS or GPRS. The models can automatically call or send SMS to users once an alarm is triggered. They can also cut off car power/fuel supply through SMS to stop the car. The units typically feature an anti-tamper design with built-in backup battery and memory to trace the vehicle. The positioning accuracy is from 5m to 20m, depending on the environment and signal.

The AVLs can transmit information in two ways: continuously through GPRS or intermittently through SMS. GPRS-based transmission is suitable for industrial and enterprise applications, where uninterrupted monitoring is required. SMS transmission is generally for personal use and costs lower. Some AVL products allow users to switch between the two modes.

Many of the present-day AVLs can be used in private vehicles. These can be purchased as a set and connected to a mobile phone. AVLs that are designed for personal applications use the GPS module for locating the vehicle and transmit the location information to the mobile phone or monitoring center using either GSM or CDMA network.

Makers are concentrating on R&D to improve their products. Shenzhen RoadGod Electron Develop Ltd Co. is developing three new models for its ODM clients. The company is planning to integrate camera function into its AVLs. Topten Electronics Technology Ltd is enhancing the anti-theft capability of its products. T-Zone Digital Technology Co. Ltd’s new AVL products will integrate vibration sensors, USB ports and open platform for two-way communication.

AVL product makers from China forecast a 10 to 15 percent increase in output for 2008. At present, most of the suppliers in China are small factories with a monthly output of less than 600 units. Suppliers that produce more than 1,000 AVLs are considered medium-scale makers. Large-scale suppliers churn out 8,000 units monthly.

Along with the increase in production, overseas shipments are expected to grow as makers continue to expand their markets in Asia, Europe, North and South America and Africa.

Shenzhen RoadGod offers 10 models in its AVL line. The company manufactures products that are based on both GSM and CDMA. The company produces 7,000 to 8,000 units a month. Thirty percent of Shenzhen RoadGod’s output is shipped overseas. The key export markets are Europe and North America. The company forecasts a 50 percent increase in shipments in 2008.

Topten’s factory has a monthly output of 800 units, against a monthly capacity of 10,000 units. The company expects its average monthly output to increase to 1,000 units this year.

Topten, which supplies GSM-based AVLs, ships 80 percent of its output to Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. The company has built several monitoring networks for clients in Nigeria, Britain, South Africa and Malaysia.

T-Zone has been engaged in developing AVL products since its establishment in 2006 and now has five models in this product line. The company exports 90 percent of its products to Europe and North America. Its main customers are GPS service providers. The company has set up two other offices in Shenzhen, Guangdong and Canada.