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Consumer electronic products developed for business, convenience and communication purposes, in vehicle applications, provide advanced features at a competitive price. However, the industry is challenged with providing a plug and play interfacing method for interconnecting these electronic products with each other and with the wealth of information that is available on the vehicle multiplexed serial data links. This paper will examine current industry trends in linking consumer products in passenger vehicles and suggests an approach for using this technology in commercial vehicles. Highlights of the Universal Serial Bus, the Microsoft/ Clarion Auto PC and the Intelligent Transportation System Data Bus will be presented. Various scenarios are offered to promote the benefits of bringing the information age into the commercial vehicle market.

Meeting the challenges of today's competitive and customer oriented transportation environment requires quick actions. Navistar's Advanta Concept Truck was developed in a very short time period, barely two months from concept to show truck. A newly engineered model with a new technology engine and new interior contributed to the exciting product content. New technologies such as Solids Modeling and Rapid Prototyping made some of the features possible. Following several months of shows around the country, another challenge began. “Clones” and kit parts were made from the concept truck.