Sense Technologies Inc. Launches After-Market Program to Sell ScopeOutSUV Back-up Safety Mirrors Through Auto Dealerships
CHANDLER, Ariz.--April 24, 2006--Sense Technologies Inc.'s (OTCBB: SNSG) back-up safety mirror ScopeOut(R), designed by Phoenix inventor Lowell Martinson, has successfully been introduced into the leading auto dealership in Arizona. The pilot program launched in March at the Earnhardt Ford-Mazda dealership in Chandler, Ariz. In conjunction with the product's introduction through the dealership, Earnhardt Ford-Mazda has planned a "Safety Day" event where it will debut ScopeOut(R) to customers on Saturday, May 1, 20063, 2006. Currently ScopeOut(R) is being "pre-loaded" on selected models of new SUVs and minivans, allowing prospective buyers to try it out firsthand in traffic and parking lot situations. It is also available as an after-market item through the company's service and parts division.ScopeOut(R) is a system of aerodynamic mirrors that are strategically placed on passenger vehicles to enhance rear visibility. With ScopeOut(R), car, minivan and SUV owners are more easily able to see children, traffic or even pets approaching toward the rear of a vehicle from down the street or sidewalk. ScopeOut(R) also provides blind zone visibility when changing lanes in traffic.
According to Earnhardt's General Manager Larry Storjohann, "When Earnhardt was first approached about selling ScopeOut(R), it made perfect sense. We feel it is a first-class product that offers powerful safety benefits for families. Far too many children are lost each year as a result of back-over incidents, and we wanted to do our part to create awareness about this pressing safety concern. ScopeOut is an effective, affordable solution to backing out blind and one that is already being welcomed by our customers."
In addition to the human toll, drivers backing out blindly cause millions of dollars in property damage. The destruction from backing out blind is not limited to any one age group -- it affects everyone from toddlers to seniors and all ages in between.
After its successful launch to dealerships in Arizona, Sense Technologies plans to expand its program into auto dealerships nationally within the next 12 months. According to Sense Technologies CEO Bruce Schreiner, "It is a logical move to sell ScopeOut professionally installed in a turnkey transaction. Auto professionals are in the best position to educate consumers and make sure the installation is perfect from the onset."
As many vehicles have grown larger over the past decade, so have blind zones. Drivers are at risk when reversing out of a parking space or driveway in a busy area or residential area, because without the installation of safety equipment, it is difficult if not impossible to see other vehicles or pedestrians who may be in the path of danger. The government has become aware of this growing problem and is taking proactive measures to alleviate injures and deaths due to back-over accidents. Pending federal legislation, The Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2005, sponsored by Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and John Sununu (R-NH) in the Senate (Bill # S1948), and Peter King (R-NY) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) in the House (Bill # HR2230) addresses rear car safety and back-over injuries and deaths to pedestrians, primarily young children.
According to data collected by the safety organization Kids and Cars, www.kidsandcars.org, in 2005 there were more than 200 non-traffic, auto-related fatalities involving children, and almost half those deaths were the direct result of back-over incidents. Between two and three children a week are killed in back-over incidents and summer is the time when children are at greatest risk.
ScopeOut(R) gives drivers the ability to see 180 degrees behind the vehicle looking through their vehicle's rear view mirror. They can see impending dangers in the parking lot or driveway, even if the view would otherwise be blocked by shrubbery, walls or large vehicles on either side. Lane change safety in traffic is enhanced by allowing vehicles to see a broadened view to the sides and rear of the vehicle.
Martinson, Sense Technologies' vice president of operations said, "We believe ScopeOut is an important step in putting a halt to parking lot and driveway tragedies. We applaud the Earnhardt family and its organization for recognizing the safety benefits of ScopeOut and for advocating backing awareness safety to all of its customers."
Sense Technologies Background
Sense Technologies Inc., a publicly traded company, develops and markets backing awareness products for safety that have been created to help drivers avoid tragic accidents resulting from vehicle blind zones and impaired rear visibility. The company currently sells two patented technologies -- Guardian Alert(R), a Doppler awareness-based rear sensing device, and ScopeOut(R), an aerodynamic mirror system that enables drivers of cars, SUVs and minivans to see an enhanced panoramic rear view of oncoming traffic prior to backing out. For additional sales and product information visit www.sensetech.com. Automotive dealers who wish to inquire about ScopeOut(R) sales for their area should contact Lowell Martinson, Sense Technologies Inc., 480-474-4309.
Earnhardt Auto Centers Background
Tex Earnhardt and his sons, Hal and Jim, are the most recognized personalities in the southwest from having built one of the most successful automobile organizations in the United States. Tex Earnhardt started his first Ford dealership in Chandler, Ariz., in September of 1951. From its humble beginnings of selling a few Fords a month, Earnhardt Auto Centers did nearly one billion dollars in retail sales and sold more than 27,000 retail units last year.
The Earnhardt organization currently sells nine different automobile brands: Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and BMW plus several RV lines. The dealerships are located in the cities of Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Avondale and Apache Junction, Ariz., and El Paso, Texas.