International Adds Factory Telematics Installation to Compete with Freightliner, Western Star

Key Details International Motors now offers Samsara device installation at its assembly plants before truck delivery, joining Freightliner and Western Star as Class 8 manufacturers providing this service. The Lisle, Illinois-based OEM can pre-install Vehicle Gateway, dashcams, AI Multicam, and external cameras at plants in Escobedo Mexico, San Antonio, and Tulsa Oklahoma. IC Bus school buses also qualify for the program. Why It Matters Factory installation saves fleets money through reduced downtime and lower procurement costs at scale. Drivers get fully activated telematics on day one, eliminating manual setup delays. This gives International a competitive edge as truck makers battle for market share during uncertain freight conditions. The Big Picture International is fighting back after posting second straight quarterly losses in Q4 2025, with truck sales dropping 40% year-over-year. The company is leveraging connectivity options to attract customers as competition intensifies. Samsara reports strong demand since launching its pre-delivery installation program less than a year ago, signaling fleets want integrated telematics as standard equipment rather than aftermarket additions.