Code-Alarm's IT-s(TM): The Latest in OEM Car Security
19 November 1998
Code-Alarm's IT-s(TM): The Latest in OEM Car Security MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Nov. 18 -- IT-s new. IT-s security.
IT-s OEM-compatible. And IT-s caught the attention of several global
automakers.
Code-Alarm, Inc., the world leader in vehicle security, today formally
introduced its latest weapon in the battle against thieves who target cars and
trucks: It's called the IT-s(TM).
Designed for OEM applications, the IT-s is an interior theft sensor that
provides protection for the vehicle as well as owner contents, parts and
accessories. Impact sensors are used as the "eyes and ears" of alarm systems,
sensing any impact to the car and signaling the "brains" of the system to
either emit a warning sound or full siren.
"Factory security systems protect your car, the IT-s protects your stuff,"
said Rand Mueller, president and chief executive officer of Code-Alarm. "In
addition to securing the vehicle, the IT-s protects against the growing
problem of parts and contents theft, vehicle tampering, and thieves who simply
tow the car away."
The Madison Heights, Mich.-based manufacturer of vehicle security and
remote keyless entry system said the IT-s will debut as a dealer-installed
accessory for the new 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Company has shipped an
initial order of IT-s to Chrysler Corp.'s Mopar parts division. Several other
undisclosed automakers are also reviewing the IT-s as a dealer-installed
upgrade or for installation on the factory floor, Mueller said.
"The interest in IT-s stems from the automakers' desire to provide a
vehicle security system that provides total protection for the vehicle and its
contents," Mueller said. "While a growing number of cars include
factory-security systems, virtually none of these systems include a sensor."
About 23.5%, or 1.6 million, U.S.-made cars feature factory anti-theft
systems, according to Wards Automotive Yearbook 1998. Most feature
immobilizers to prevent hotwiring, or "invasive" systems, which are not
triggered unless the thief opens a door, trunk or hood. Such systems don't
stop thieves from stealing parts or breaking a window to take contents from
inside the vehicle. Nor do they stop thieves with tow trucks.
Code-Alarm has been making impact sensors for the aftermarket for more
than a decade. For the past three years, the company has supplied impact
sensors for factory installation on several vehicle models manufactured by one
of the world's largest automotive OEMs.
The IT-s features the same patented infrared optical technology used in
Code-Alarm's IR-s(TM) Impact Sensor, which was introduced to the aftermarket
earlier this year. Both sensors employ a light-reflecting technology that
works in a similar fashion to a compact disc player. When armed, an emitter
light in the sensor sends a constant signal to a reflector, which bounces the
signal back to a receiver. Any impact to the car causes the reflector to move
and interrupts the signal, which sets off the alarm.
Code-Alarm engineers began working on the technology in early 1991, after
an engineer complained that his car's CD player skipped whenever he hit slight
bumps in the road. CodeAlarm's engineering staff, the largest in the vehicle
security industry, seized on the idea to develop a better-performing
alternative to today's sensors, which employ magnets, coils, speakers or other
setups that can be set off by sound or energy. IT-s technology offers the
following benefits:
* Virtually eliminates false alarms. Nearly all impact sensors sold
today can be set off accidentally by external stimuli such as sound or
electromagenetic energy. Two-way radios used by police and taxicabs, for
example, have been known to set off car alarms that utilize a coil setup. By
using infra-red light in a sealed case, the IR-s has greatly decreased the
potential for false alarms caused by external factors.
* Improved omni-directional sensing. The IT-s is designed to provide
equal or better sensing to impacts on all points of the vehicle. By
comparison, other sensors can be more or less sensitive to impacts depending
on the location and position in which they are installed.
* Ability to fine-tune for different vehicles. The IT-s increased range
of dynamic sensitivity allows it to be adjusted for optimum performance on
cars and trucks of varying designs and sizes -- from the largest full-size
pickup to the smallest economy car.
* Lower current draw. In activated mode, the IT-s requires less current
draw than typical sensors sold today. Sensors represent one of the largest
draws of current in a car today.
* More consistent quality. The use of circuit boards, surface-mount
manufacturing and optical technology in the IT-s allows for better
repeatability in the manufacturing process than sensors that use plastics,
magnets and other materials.
* Mueller continued: "Code-Alarm's patented infra-red technology has made
the IR-s a home run in the aftermarket since its introduction last November.
With the new design and manufacturing improvements we have made to the
technology, we expect to enjoy similar success selling the IT-s to the world's
leading automakers."
About Code-Alarm
Founded in Detroit in 1979 by President and CEO Rand Mueller, Code-Alarm
manufactures car security and remote keyless entry products for the world's
top automakers, including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Subaru,
Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The Company also sells its products in 35
countries around the globe under the Code-Alarm(TM) and Chapman(TM) brand
names.
Code-Alarm builds its products to automotive specifications and is
certified under the QS-9000 quality system designated by the Big Three.
Drawing on more than 15 years experience working with the world's top
automakers, Code-Alarm's systems are designed specifically to work with the
sophisticated electrical systems found in today's cars, trucks, minivans and
sport utility vehicles.
Code-Alarm's products are "Made in the USA" at the Company's two
facilities in suburban Detroit -- the heart of the global auto industry.
Code-Alarm employs more than 30 engineers and technical specialists who work
closely with automotive engineers on two core products categories: vehicle
security and remote keyless entry.
The Company is also a leader in the manufacture and sale of security and
keyless entry products for the aftermarket. For nearly 20 years, the
Code-Alarm(TM) brand has been a recognizable name to mobile electronics
retailers in North America. The Chapman(TM) brand, established in 1957, is
one of the most popular among automotive expediters worldwide. Today, the
Company's branded products are sold in more than 2,000 locations around the
world.
Code-Alarm employs 300 and offers global distribution to automakers and
retailers through international partners worldwide.
