News from IntraUSA: Intra Responds to Truck Industry Demand with Jump-Start Prevention Kit
NEWS RELEASE August 23, 2001 Contact: Michael Wasem, The Siefkes Group, 425-392-2611 Will Watson, The IntraUSA Group, 206-575-8111, ext. 101 Reducing Dormant Vehicle Maintenance Costs: IntraUSA Responds to Fleet Demand with Jump-Start Prevention Kit TUKWILA, Wash. -- As more and more trucks sit due to declining freight volume, many fleet managers are forced to deal with vehicles that cannot start, due to "parasitic" battery discharge. As a result, the cost of maintaining electrical system integrity of dormant vehicles is growing. "Some people call it 'lot rot,'" said Will Watson, vice president, sales for The IntraUSA Group, Inc. "When trucks sit parked for a week or even less, the drain on the batteries often discharges them to the point that the truck can no longer start. The cost and labor involved with jump-starts alone is significant for truck fleets, but because batteries often 'die' after just a few deep discharges, replacement cost magnifies the problem." According to Watson, Ryder System, Inc. recently asked IntraUSA to find a solution for this rapidly growing expense area. "At any given time, we have numerous off-lease vehicles and new trucks awaiting customer delivery," said Jim L. Cade, Ryder's vice president of maintenance. "Even with our rigorous preventive maintenance programs, it's very easy for dormant vehicle batteries to discharge to the point that the truck cannot start. We need a simple tool to reduce the cost in labor for jump-starts and the expense of battery replacement." Intra's Jump-Start Prevention Kit is a unique application of the company's existing technologies. "We combined capabilities of our Low-Voltage Disconnect with our High Current Battery Disconnect, and packaged it into a portable unit that can be easily moved from one truck to another," explained Watson. "In one quick-connect, quick-disconnect unit, dealers have a portable tool that monitors the batteries and automatically disconnects power." The unit continually monitors current draw from the vehicle battery, and if battery voltage reaches a critical level, the battery is automatically disconnected, preserving the ability to start the vehicle -- and saving battery life. A flashing LED light indicates that the unit has been activated. The operator simply presses a button to re-connect battery power, and starts the truck. According to Watson, the product can be integrated into vehicles at the OEM level, providing every truck a permanent solution to the jump-start dilemma. "Because our product cuts all power -- including marker lights -- we emphasize that it must be removed from operational vehicles for obvious safety reasons," he explained. "However, the unit can be integrated by the manufacturer so that safety and critical loads are not affected, should the unit be activated at the side of the road, for example." Intra's Jump-Start Prevention Kits are now in production, and the company is working with OEM parts programs to have them available by mid fall. Watson suggests that fleet managers contact their OEM parts divisions to inquire about the availability and delivery of IntraUSA's Jump-Start Prevention Kits. The IntraUSA Group, Inc., a privately held company, develops DC power management products based on its proprietary semiconductor technologies which allow better, more efficient management of DC current flow. The Intra Switch -- the patented core of the company's technology -- allows IntraUSA's products to handle an extremely high amount of current with very low heat generation. This simple concept enhances all aspects of DC power generation, storage and consumption. For more information, visit the company¹s website at www.intra-usa.com. - 30 - NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like a high-resolution version of the attached low-res image, please reply to this email. Thank you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Wasem The Siefkes Group 317 NW Gilman Blvd., Ste. 10 Issaquah WA 98027 Phone: 425-392-2611 Fax: 425-392-2454 Web: www.siefkesgroup.com