DRC Instruments Fleet Management Systems

Through 1995, DRC's main supplier was Argo Instruments Inc., a US-based member of the Mannesmann group of companies. Argo was the North-American distributor of Kienzle tachograph and fleet products, as well as the developer of the first on-board computer system, the FMS1300.

In 1996, corporate restructuring brought the Argo and Kienzle product lines under the umbrella of VDO, another much larger Mannesmann- owned entity. Though the Argo name has been dropped, the high-quality fleet-management products are the same. See below for a history of some of the trade marks. (Source: [http://www.vdo.com/about/division.htm])

As systems partner to motor-vehicle manufacturers all over the world and experts in electronic information, control and fuel systems up to and including vehicle modules, VDO constitutes a substantial section of the Mannesmann Automotive Engineering Group Sector.

VDO - The company's name and trademark originate from the merger between OTA Apparate GmbH, established in 1921 as OSA, and a Division of DEUTA (Deutsche Tachometerwerke GmbH), effected in 1929. VDO has belonged to Mannesmann since the end of 1991.

Max Kammerer - Since 1993, the heating, air conditioning and ventilation activities of Max Kammerer, established in 1922 and today managed as a Division, have complemented VDO's business activities.

VDO Kienzle - Kienzle was established in 1929 and has belonged to Mannesmann since 1981. In 1994, VDO and Kienzle merged their trading activities and in 1995 their activities in information systems commercial vehicles.

IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, A. Lange & Söhne - The Clocks & Watches Division has pursued Swiss and German traditions in finest prestige clock and watch manufacturing, originating in the early nineteenth century. Since 1978, IWC International Watch Co. AG and Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre S. A. have been integral sections of the VDO Group; Lange Uhren GmbH was reestablished in 1990.