Directed Technologies has acquired Thailand-based telematics provider GPS2GO, expanding the Melbourne-headquartered company's presence in Southeast Asia.
The acquisition strengthens Directed's operating base in Thailand, where it already has customer support, analytics and sales operations. GPS2GO adds an established customer and partner network, a government-approved technology offering, and an experienced local team.
Thailand focus
Thailand is an important market for automotive and transport groups because it is a major manufacturing hub for trucks, passenger vehicles and commercial utility vehicles. Many of Directed's customers already operate manufacturing facilities there, increasing the need for local support for both original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket work.
The transaction also advances Directed's broader ASEAN ambitions. It will help extend the company's e.things ecosystem in Southeast Asia, combining telematics, internet of things hardware, connectivity and cloud-based data tools in a single operating environment.
Under the integration plan, Hataichanok Leerahathon will become General Manager, GPS2GO, while continuing as Country Manager, Directed Technologies Thailand. The dual role is intended to provide continuity for customers and partners as the businesses are brought together.
Customer support
"This is not just about expanding into Southeast Asia, it's about strengthening our ability to support customers with on-the-ground capability in one of the region's most important automotive markets," said Steve Siolis, Chief Executive Officer, Directed Technologies.
"Through GPS2GO, we are combining deep local expertise with our global platform to deliver connected vehicle solutions for OEMs and enterprise customers operating across the region," added Siolis.
Based in Bangkok, GPS2GO focuses on connected vehicle services, fleet management and asset tracking in Southeast Asia. It has built its position on local market knowledge and established customer relationships in a region where transport operators and manufacturers face differing regulatory and operating conditions across national markets.
Regional push
The acquisition fits a broader expansion pattern for Directed, which operates across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Americas. The company has been widening its international reach through acquisitions and partnerships as it builds a larger connected mobility business across multiple markets.
For Directed, Thailand offers both a local customer base and a link to wider regional manufacturing and logistics networks. The country has long been a production centre for vehicle makers and suppliers, making it important for telematics providers serving fleet operators, automotive manufacturers and related aftermarket customers.
The e.things platform sits at the centre of that strategy. Directed describes it as a unified environment for original equipment manufacturer programs, fleet operations and a broader applications ecosystem, bringing together vehicle data, devices and connectivity services.
Growth plans
"This marks the next phase of growth for GPS2GO, allowing us to extend our local expertise beyond Thailand and support customers across Southeast Asia," said Hataichanok Leerahathon, General Manager, GPS2GO.
"By combining our in-market knowledge with Directed Technologies' global platform, we are well positioned to deliver solutions tailored to local requirements while maintaining a strong global foundation," added Leerahathon.
Directed's technology is deployed across more than 5,000 fleets globally and supports automotive manufacturers and transport operators in multiple regions.