Viper Index for Auto Theft Debuts Online in Conjunction With False Sense of Security Campaign

VISTA, Calif., Aug. 4, 2004 -- Directed Electronics, Inc., the world's largest vehicle security and remote start company, makers of Viper, Python and Clifford as well as prominent car audio and mobile video brands such as Orion, Precision Power, a/d/s/ and Directed Video, is proud to unveil the new Viper Index for Auto Theft, now available online at CLICK HERE Simply click on the Viper Index.

The Viper Index search tool quickly allows users to select their nearest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The results are displayed as either YELLOW (which indicates an average or below average auto theft level in the MSA as compared with national average) or RED, which indicates above-average auto theft level in MSA compared with national average.

"Auto theft and content theft from vehicles is a $9 billion problem, and the Viper Index can help raise consumer awareness and preparedness," said Kennedy Gammage, Directed's Corporate Communications Manager. "Besides providing local auto theft data, the Viper Index offers valuable tips on preventing theft and avoiding the 'False Sense of Security,' which arises when consumers think their vehicle is protected when it really isn't."

In parallel with the Viper Index for Auto Theft, Directed has developed a False Sense of Security in-store display, which is available for viewing at thousands of authorized Directed Electronics retailers from coast to coast. This display is designed to educate consumers about preventing auto theft and content theft, and to raise awareness about the limitations of so-called 'factory security,' which may or may not come with the vehicle. The False Sense of Security premise is concisely stated on the display: "You may think your vehicle already has an alarm that will protect it and its contents from being stolen ... but you're probably wrong!"

"Between the Viper Index and the False Sense of Security, Directed is stepping-up its efforts to educate and empower consumers to take steps to protect their substantial investment in their vehicles," says Jim Jardin, Director of Marketing for Directed Electronics.

Directed Electronics manufactures such well-known security and remote start brands as Viper, Clifford, Python, Avital, Hornet and Valet and offers 5 branded GPS Stolen Vehicle Tracking Systems. Directed is also a prominent manufacturer of car audio equipment with their Directed Audio and Xtreme lines, as well as a/d/s/ Mobile, Precision Power (PPI) and Orion. The company also manufactures a/d/s/ Home & Architectural speakers and subwoofers, as well as a full line of mobile entertainment products including LCD monitors and DVDs in the Directed Video line. Directed is registered in the ISO 9001 international quality standard.

Directed Electronics is a portfolio company of Trivest, Inc., a private equity firm based in Miami, Florida. Since its founding in 1981, Trivest has sponsored more than 105 acquisitions and recapitalizations totaling more than $2 billion in value. For more information, please visit www.directed.com and www.trivest.com. To find an authorized retailer, click on "Find Store" on the www.directed.com home page.