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An ever-increasing number of fleets today are investing significant capital to outfit their trucks with the latest safety technology to reduce accidents that harm people and disrupt freight operations.

By far, the biggest issues telematics device makers faced in 2011 were the wrangling over a final rule on electronic onboard recorders and potential changes to hours of service.

After years of tepid customer response to available collision-avoidance technologies, suppliers say they are racing to bring more systems to market as federal requirements, technology improvements and convincing test data have combined to stimulate demand at both the factory and aftermarket levels.

Supply chain software maker Robocom Systems International announced it acquired Wright Business Solutions. No terms were disclosed.

The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill to create a national freight program that its sponsors said would boost America’s global economic competitiveness, improve its mobility and promote energy conservation.

General Motors and Japanese carbon fiber and composites supplier Teijin have teamed up in hopes of producing stronger and lighter parts for GM trucks, cars and crossovers.

Volvo Trucks in North America announced on Monday that it will now offer its Bluetooth-equipped radio as standard equipment on all VN and VHD models.

TOKYO — Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. is developing a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain for parent Daimler AG’s truck group that could provide the fuel economy gains that have so far been elusive for heavy-duty, over-the-road trucks, the company said.

Wireless alarm company Telular Corp. has agreed to buy trailer tracking supplier SkyBitz Corp. for a total of $42 million — $35 million in cash and $7 million in new Telular stock.

TomTom NV said its Pro 7150 truck-specific GPS is now available and provides drivers and fleet managers with routing that factors in vehicle profiles, road attributes and restrictions.