Continental warns of smart tachograph supply delays until August

Continental has told customers that it is experiencing “delivery delays” of its DTCO 4.0 (pictured) and Kitas 4.0 smart tachographs which will “normalise after August”. Annex 1C (EU 2016/799), which essentially makes next-generation (or smart) tachographs mandatory on all commercial vehicles above 3.5t GVW, came into force on 15 June.

Continental said in a letter: “Continental has already started production of the DTCO 4.0 and Kitas 4.0 during 2019. In order to ensure high quality on all aspects, especially functionality, materials and production line, we have started the production with a ramp-up phase, during which we optimise processes and parameters.

“Unfortunately, although having started this process in early 2019, this led us to a situation where we are not able to respond to the unforeseen high demand of orders.

“We are working hard to solve the issues, but unfortunately, with this situation we foresee delivery delays which we expect will normalise after August. Meanwhile the Continental team is committed to allocate available quantities having regard to all interests involved.”

The letter, supplied to Commercial Motor by Kevin Green, head of sales and marketing, commercial vehicles and aftermarket at Continental Automotive UK, adds that Continental’s sales teams are “ready to answer your questions and keep you up to date with scheduled deliveries”.

Meanwhile Stoneridge, which manufacturers the SE5000 Connekt smart tachograph (which was launched in April with shipments to OEMs), says it is able to “continue to serve customers” to “ensure they meet the demands of the market”.

FTA head of road freight regulation James Firth said that drivers will notice “little change” following the introduction of smart tachographs.

“The new models look identical to their predecessors and drivers do not need to replace their tachograph cards. Furthermore, the added satellite location data will help authorities to catch non-UK based operators who work illegally in the UK market. The satellite location function does not provide live tracking – a common misconception – instead, it takes a location 'stamp' at start and end of duty and every three hours of continuous driving,” he said.

• Commercialmotor.com is running a free webinar in association with Aquarius tomorrow (18 June) at 2pm. It will explain everything you need to know about the introduction of smart tachographs. Register now for free!