New Infiniti Communicator System Provides One-Touch Emergency Assistance with GPS/Cellular Technology
4 February 1998
New Infiniti Communicator System Provides One-Touch Emergency Assistance with GPS/Cellular Technology
CHICAGO, Feb. 4 -- Infiniti, maker of luxury vehicles, has
been dedicated to providing the highest level of customer care and support
since its inception nearly ten years ago. Now Infiniti takes the industry
leading Infiniti Total Ownership Experience (TOE) into a new realm with the
introduction of the Infiniti Communicator. This in-vehicle communications
system (IVCS) will be available beginning in March on the 1998.5 Infiniti Q45
and I30 luxury sedans.
The Infiniti Communicator provides one-touch calling for emergency or
roadside assistance, as well as remote door unlocking, security system
notification and stolen vehicle recovery. It utilizes Global Positioning
System (GPS) and state-of-the-art cellular phone technology -- connected to
the Infiniti Response Center (IRC) -- to provide access to assistance 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.
"Enhancing our owners' safety and convenience through the Infiniti
Communicator is a natural extension of our customer care philosophy," said Tom
Orbe, vice president, Infiniti Division. "We're committed to providing
innovative products and services that complement our advanced luxury vehicles
like the Infiniti Q45 and I30."
The Infiniti Communicator features two buttons located in the overhead
console, with a microphone in-between. The left button, identified with the
picture of an ambulance, is for use in high priority situations such as an
accident or medical emergency. The right button, marked with a circle "i" for
"information," is for use in lower priority calls such as for roadside
assistance or general travel information.
When either button is pressed, the system calls the Infiniti Response
Center (IRC) using the local area cellular network (Infiniti Communicator
service is not available when cellular phone service or accurate GPS service
is unavailable). Once connected, the system transmits GPS-derived location
data to the IRC and voice contact is established between the vehicle occupant
and IRC operator. A switch for volume and cellular phone controls is located
on the left side of the vehicle's steering wheel.
With the connection established, the operator is equipped to provide the
appropriate action, aided by a pre-arranged client response profile listing
emergency phone numbers and other pertinent data. A "no service" light
illuminates if the vehicle is unable to connect to cellular service and a
"redial" light illuminates if the user is disconnected. In most cases, the
system automatically redials in 15 seconds.
Electronic monitoring and response is provided by Westar, an electronic
security provider. The system's GPS and cellular phone technologies are from
Motorola, which provides its high-speed GT Plus Oncore(TM) GPS receivers,
optional cellular handsets and telematics communications intelligence.
The Infiniti Communicator provides the following key services:
Air Bag Deployment Notification -- If a vehicle's air bag deploys, the
system automatically attempts to notify the IRC as a high priority emergency
call. With the vehicle location quickly pinpointed, the operator attempts
voice contact. If the occupant is injured or unable to respond, the IRC
operator will contact the local emergency provider and request that an
emergency crew be dispatched to the scene. In all emergency situations,
Infiniti Communicator uses existing emergency service providers.
One-Touch Emergency Assistance -- In an emergency situation, the vehicle
occupant can contact the IRC by pressing the left button on the control
module. Dispatch of emergency assistance is requested by the IRC upon
occupant request, if no voice contact is made or if a wrong password is given.
One Touch Roadside Assistance -- In non-emergency situations, a vehicle
occupant can request roadside assistance by pressing the right ("i") button.
Remote Door Unlock -- In the event of a lockout, owners can request remote
door unlocking immediately or at a specified time by calling a toll-free
number and providing a personal password.
Vehicle Security System Notification -- If the security system is
triggered while armed, the Infiniti Communicator calls the IRC and provides
the vehicle's location. Based on pre-arranged instructions, the IRC notifies
the local police or the emergency contact number previously provided by the
vehicle owner.
Stolen Vehicle Recovery -- The IRC can provide tracking information if the
vehicle is stolen, either by the activation of the vehicle security system or
by owner notification. Information can be provided to the local authorities,
including location, vehicle direction, speed, license number and color,
vehicle identification number and can even covertly monitor vehicle occupant
conversation to assist in apprehension (this feature is only operable when the
ignition is in the "ACC" or "on" position).
"The new Infiniti Communicator gives Infiniti Q45 and I30 owners added
convenience plus the peace of mind of emergency assistance 24 hours a day,"
said Orbe. "No matter what the situation, help is as close as a button away."
Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., is
supported by a network of more than 145 retailers nationwide. Customer
satisfaction has always been a key component of Infiniti's commitment to
customer service. Infiniti introduced The Total Ownership Experience(R)
customer care philosophy as part of its continuing dedication to providing
exceptional consumer treatment and service. With TOE, Infiniti is leading the
way into the next century.
SOURCE Infiniti