TrackSpeed for Diesel Fleets: Speed Limiting with GPS Tracking Combined
Fleet operators running diesel commercial vehicles face two persistent operational requirements: speed limiting for compliance and safety, and GPS vehicle tracking for fleet management. Traditionally, these have been two separate systems from two separate suppliers — two installations, two subscriptions, and two sets of wiring in each vehicle. AutoKontrol’s TrackSpeed eliminates this duplication by combining a certified speed limiter with ScorpionTrack Fleet GPS tracking in a single integrated unit.
TrackSpeed is unique to AutoKontrol — no other manufacturer offers a combined speed limiter and GNSS tracking system. For diesel fleet operators, this means one installation, one device, and one supplier for two critical fleet management functions.
With over 41 years of speed limiter technology and the backing of Scorpion Group Holdings — whose ScorpionTrack platform monitors tens of thousands of vehicles across the UK — TrackSpeed represents the convergence of world-leading speed limiter and tracking expertise.
How TrackSpeed Works on Diesel Vehicles
TrackSpeed integrates two functions into a single hardware platform.
Speed Limiting: The speed limiter component operates using drive-by-wire technology, intercepting the accelerator pedal signal and modifying it when the vehicle approaches the set speed. On diesel vehicles, this reduces the fuel demand signal sent to the ECU, which responds by reducing injection quantity, adjusting turbo boost pressure, and managing engine output to maintain the set speed. The speed limiting function is identical in precision and reliability to our standalone DBW Speed Limiter, maintaining set speed accuracy within +/- 1 km/h.
GPS Tracking: The tracking component uses GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology to provide real-time vehicle location, speed, and movement data to the ScorpionTrack Fleet web portal. Fleet managers can monitor vehicle positions, review journey history, analyse driver behaviour, track fuel consumption patterns, and receive alerts for geofence breaches, excessive idling, and unauthorised vehicle use.
The integration between these two functions creates capabilities that neither could provide alone. The speed limiter has access to GPS data for enhanced accuracy and reporting, while the tracking system can report on speed limiter status and events.
Technical Considerations for TrackSpeed and Diesel
Diesel Engine Interface
TrackSpeed’s speed limiting function interfaces with diesel engines through the DBW accelerator pedal signal, exactly as our standalone DBW Speed Limiter does. The system is compatible with all major diesel engine management systems found in commercial vehicles — including platforms from DAF, Scania, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Iveco, and Renault Trucks.
The diesel-specific considerations that apply to the standalone DBW Speed Limiter apply equally to TrackSpeed: turbocharger management is handled by the ECU, exhaust aftertreatment systems (DPF, SCR, EGR) operate normally, and the speed limiter works through the demand signal without directly controlling any engine outputs.
CAN Bus Integration
On diesel commercial vehicles, TrackSpeed connects to the CAN bus for two purposes: the speed limiter reads vehicle speed data for speed control accuracy, and the tracking component reads additional data — including odometer readings, engine hours, fuel consumption, and diagnostic fault codes — for fleet management reporting.
This dual use of the CAN bus connection means TrackSpeed extracts more value from a single integration point than either a standalone speed limiter or a standalone tracker would. Fleet managers receive richer data without additional wiring or hardware.
GNSS Speed vs CAN Bus Speed
TrackSpeed has access to two independent speed sources: GNSS (satellite-derived speed) and CAN bus (vehicle-derived speed). The speed limiter uses the CAN bus speed signal for its control loop because it provides the fastest update rate and lowest latency — critical for real-time speed control. The GNSS speed data is used by the tracking function for position reporting and is also available as a cross-check on CAN bus speed accuracy.
This dual-speed capability is particularly valuable for diesel fleet operators because it provides an independent verification of vehicle speed data, which can be referenced in compliance audits and incident investigations.
Fuel Consumption Monitoring
Diesel fleet operators are acutely focused on fuel costs. TrackSpeed’s tracking component can read fuel consumption data from the vehicle’s CAN bus and report it through the ScorpionTrack Fleet portal. Combined with GPS journey data, this provides detailed fuel efficiency analysis — litres per 100km by route, by driver, by time of day. Fleet managers can identify inefficient driving patterns and target training where it will deliver the greatest fuel savings.
The speed limiter itself contributes to fuel efficiency by preventing excessive speed. Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, so limiting a diesel truck from 90 km/h to 85 km/h, for example, produces a measurable reduction in fuel consumption across thousands of kilometres.
Driver Behaviour Analytics
TrackSpeed combines speed limiter data with GPS tracking data to provide comprehensive driver behaviour analysis. The system can report on speed limiter intervention frequency (how often a driver attempts to exceed the set speed), harsh acceleration and braking events, cornering forces, and idling duration. This data, accessible through the ScorpionTrack Fleet web portal and mobile apps, gives fleet managers actionable insights for driver performance management and training.
Real-World Applications
Long-Haul HGV Operations
Diesel long-haul operators benefit most from TrackSpeed’s integrated approach. These vehicles travel hundreds of thousands of kilometres annually, making both speed compliance and fleet tracking essential. TrackSpeed provides both in a single installation, reducing vehicle downtime, simplifying supplier management, and providing integrated data through one platform.
Regional Distribution Fleets
Diesel trucks and vans operating regional distribution routes need speed limiting for compliance and tracking for route optimisation, delivery confirmation, and fleet visibility. TrackSpeed delivers both, with the ScorpionTrack Fleet portal providing real-time visibility of every vehicle’s location, speed, and status.
Construction and Plant Transport
Diesel vehicles used in construction — tippers, flatbeds, concrete mixers — operate across a mix of public roads and construction sites. TrackSpeed provides speed limiting for road use and GPS tracking for site management, including geofence alerts when vehicles enter or leave designated construction zones.
Temperature-Controlled Distribution
Refrigerated diesel trucks and vans used for food distribution require both speed compliance and tracking for chain-of-custody documentation. TrackSpeed provides integrated speed and location data that supports compliance with food safety and transport regulations.
Compliance and Regulation
TrackSpeed’s speed limiter function meets all requirements under ECE Regulation R89 and the EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144. DVSA enforcement checks for speed limiter compliance are fully satisfied. The GPS tracking function provides additional compliance data that fleet operators can use to demonstrate duty of care, drivers’ hours compliance, and safe operating practices.
Professional Fitting by SGH Connect
SGH Connect, our UK-wide fitting network, installs TrackSpeed systems at your premises. Because TrackSpeed combines two systems in one installation, fitting time is reduced compared to installing a separate speed limiter and tracker. Installation is completed within 5 working days of order confirmation and includes speed limiter calibration, CAN bus integration, GNSS antenna installation, and system commissioning on the ScorpionTrack Fleet portal.
All AutoKontrol products are 100% designed and manufactured in the UK to ISO certified quality standards.
Get Started
If your diesel fleet requires both speed limiting and GPS tracking, TrackSpeed is the only integrated solution available — and it is only available from AutoKontrol.
Contact AutoKontrol for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how TrackSpeed can simplify your fleet management while delivering compliance and operational visibility in one device.