Introducing SAM(TM) - Smart Auto Management
Revolutionary Automotive Kiosk Provides Instant, Affordable, On Demand Access to Vehicle Information Never Before Available to Motorists
Meet Mario Andretti, Racing Legend and SAM Spokesman
- Interview and Photo Opportunity -
TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 11 -- The first SAM(TM) kiosks, a first-of-its-kind, drive-up diagnostic tool for cars and light trucks, will begin rolling off the assembly line in one week, heralding a new day for motorists.
SAM(TM), an innovation in automotive diagnostics, will debut in five key U.S. markets in February 2007. SAM kiosks were invented by Smart Automotive Management(SM) LLC, and are being manufactured by Flextronics International at its Plano, Texas facility. The first SAM kiosks will be available for a media preview on Monday, December 18, 2006.
Legendary race car driver Mario Andretti is the spokesman for SAM and the voice and image that appears on the kiosk giving vehicle owners instructions on when and how to use SAM. Mr. Andretti will introduce SAM and be available for interviews on December 18 in Plano, TX.
"I have been looking forward to introducing SAM to the public," said Andretti. "I think every vehicle owner who has access to a SAM kiosk needs to try it when something on their dash board lights up, or in advance of taking their vehicle on a trip. It's an amazingly smart tool for vehicle owners."
"Not only is Mr. Andretti regarded by many as the greatest race car driver of all time, he exemplifies leadership, dedication, innovation and performance," said Art Jacobsen, an engineer and Product Line Leader in the development of SAM and Managing Director, Smart Auto Management LLC. "His reputation as the ultimate champion clearly aligns with the power and performance delivered by SAM." Mr. Jacobsen adds: "After 18 months in development, it's thrilling to see SAM ready to roll off the assembly line. SAM was engineered to be a simple, inexpensive and totally objective diagnostic tool for motorists. SAM will re-connect drivers to their vehicles, provide a fast, convenient diagnosis of problems and give drivers peace of mind when no problems exist."
In about 10 minutes, for $15 (US), drivers with a 1996 or newer vehicle can connect to SAM's On Board Diagnostic scanner to identify problems with their vehicle. SAM allows drivers to see beyond the vague "Check Engine" light to pinpoint existing and pending problems with their vehicle's engine, transmission, safety systems, body, chassis, and more. SAM provides consumers with the same information previously accessible only by car mechanics and dealerships. SAM checks over 2,000 vehicle fault codes to reveal actual and pending problems, if a vehicle is in need of warranty work, and if the manufacturer has issued Technical Service Bulletins.
In four easy steps, drivers will know if it is safe to keep driving their vehicle or if it needs immediate attention. 1. Swipe a credit or debit card. 2. Scan the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), 3. Connect SAM to the vehicle's On Board Diagnostic port (typically under the steering wheel); 4. Receive the comprehensive SAM report on the spot.
E.C. Sykes, President of Flextronics' Industrial Market Segment commented, "We are a proud manufacturing partner for SAM and look forward to celebrating the launch with Mr. Andretti, Mr. Jacobsen and the rest of SAM's talented crew. SAM exemplifies the kind of consumer product that utilizes leading edge, next generation technologies that deliver practical solutions for a safer driving experience." Sykes added, "We believe that SAM is an ideal method for consumers to receive reliable vehicle diagnostic details, quickly and affordably. I look forward to personally using SAM."
Art Jacobsen adds: "Before SAM, motorists did not have access to their vehicle's on board diagnostic systems. Those ignoring an illuminated 'Check Engine' light ran the risk of jeopardizing their safety by not knowing about a major problem or paying unnecessary expenses to have their vehicle checked for a minor problem. SAM delivers safety, specifics and savings, and ultimately allows drivers to reach their destination with confidence."
SAM(TM) kiosks will initially appear on February 1, 2007 at auto service and maintenance stations across Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Raleigh, N.C., and the San Francisco Bay Area. A national roll out of SAM kiosks will follow throughout 2007. SAM partners include: Dekra Emissions, Jiffy Lube, Kwik Kar and Kwik Kar Lube & Tune, Peninsula Petroleum and SpeedEmissions. SAM is also affiliated with CarFax, which allows motorists, for the first time in history, to understand their vehicle's past as well as current operating condition.
ABOUT SAM(TM): SAM was created to provide drivers with the information they need to make smart choices about vehicle maintenance. Smart Auto Management(SM) LLC is the creator of SAM kiosks, the first-ever, self-service diagnostic kiosk that empowers drivers with vital information about their vehicle-instantly, affordably and on demand. By connecting to the Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) of any 1996 or newer vehicle, SAM checks over 2000 system codes pertaining to the engine, transmission, safety systems, body, chassis and more. Smart Auto Management is a wholly owned company of Environmental Systems Product Holdings, Inc. (ESP), which has been the leading provider of state-of-the-art equipment and solutions for vehicle emissions programs throughout the world for more than 25 years. For more about SAM kiosks, please visit our web site at http://www.iamsam.com/. Smart Auto Management is a service mark of Smart Auto Management, LLC.
Media Contacts: FOR SAM/SMART AUTO MANAGEMENT: -- Melinda Mullin, MSCO, 914-251-1500, ext. 14 / melinda@msco.com -- Carol Bloom Stevens, MSCO, 914-251-1500, ext. 12 / carol@msco.com. FOR MARIO ANDRETTI: -- Patty Reid, 651-454-4641 / PattyReid1@aol.com FOR FLEXTRONICS: -- Renee Brotherton, 408-576-7189 / renee.brotherton@flextronics.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: MEDIA PREVIEW/INTERVIEW AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITY DETAILS: * Date and Time: Monday, December 18, 2006 at 11:00 AM (Central) * Location: Flextronics International, 600 Shiloh Road, Plano, TX 75074 * Available for Interview: 1) Mario Andretti, racing legend. 2) Art Jacobsen, Managing Director, Smart Auto Management, LLC. * Photo & Video Opportunities: SAM kiosks on the assembly line, quality checks on SAM production, and SAM demonstration on a vehicle.