From Nikkei Asian Review: For long-distance truck drivers -- and their employers -- tiredness is a constant concern. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus is set to launch a new app that will allow drivers to monitor their trucks with their smartphones.

With the new app, drivers will be able to change the height of the vehicle and turn the lights on or off, as well as monitor data such as odometer and tire pressure.

The app-based service is expected to be used by drivers while they take short breaks from long-distance driving, in or outside of the vehicle. Mitsubishi Fuso, a major truck and commercial vehicle maker, aims to promote the app to parcel delivery companies and other services that use a number of trucks.

The automaker in May released a fully revamped version of its Super Great heavy-duty truck. Sensors on the latest model can identify problems cropping up in the vehicle. The resulting data can be sent to remote locations for monitoring. The new app will link such monitoring capability with smartphones.

Drivers can download the free app, Fuso Remote Truck, on their smartphones and link it with a wireless device on their trucks.

The automaker plans to launch the app service by the end of this year, starting with the tractor-trailer model of the Super Great truck, which was released in September. The automaker has set a sales target of 12,000 units annually for the Super Great. The company will promote the app to Super Great users.

With the app, drivers can, for example, turn on or off front, rear and interior lights, or change the vehicle's height by adjusting the suspension system. Super Great drivers can also select music on the in-cab sound system using the app. Drivers can control and monitor their vehicles while in the cab, as well as from outside, within 10 meters of the vehicle.

In addition, the app can be used to check conditions of the vehicle, from odometer and fuel gauge to tire pressure to in-car temperature. Driving hours typically get longer for larger trucks. The app is designed to target parcel companies and other services seeking to improve the working environment of their truck drivers, and retain them over the long term.

Commercial vehicle makers in Japan have all rolled out fully-revamped models of their trucks around spring this year. These refreshed models are equipped with new but similar safety functions, as well as automatic mechanical transmission systems.

Mitsubishi Fuso, along with its parent company Daimler of Germany, aims to enhance the connectivity of its vehicles, aiming to distinguish their vehicles from those of its rivals. The