Visteon's Vehicle Emergency Messaging System Enters Aftermarket
3 November 1998
Visteon's Vehicle Emergency Messaging System Enters Aftermarket Bringing Security to DriversLAS VEGAS, Nov. 3 -- Drivers of top-selling vehicles can experience the ultimate in personal and vehicle security with the Visteon Vehicle Emergency Messaging System (VEMS). It is now available for 1998 and 1999 models of the Ford Taurus and Explorer and the Mercury Sable and Mountaineer. "Visteon's VEMS will allow drivers to get help 24 hours a day with the touch of a button giving them complete peace-of-mind whenever they are on the road," said David Peace, director, Global Aftermarket Operations, Visteon Automotive Systems. Visteon's VEMS combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology via satellite and the cellular telephone network to aid drivers in need of emergency or roadside assistance by directing police, fire or medical attention to their location. It was introduced at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. To request assistance, the driver simply presses one of two buttons on the handset: "S.O.S.," for emergency or roadside assistance or "INFO," for convenience features like route guidance. Combining sophisticated mapping software, GPS and the nation's cellular network, the emergency response center can immediately calculate the vehicle's location and direction of travel.* During "S.O.S." calls, the operator contacts the appropriate emergency services and maintains direct voice contact until help arrives. Additionally, Visteon's VEMS integrates a host of safety and convenience features, including: * Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment** * Stolen Vehicle Tracking * Vehicle Security System Notification * Turn-by-Turn Route Guidance Another key feature of VEMS is the remote door unlock**. Consumers who lock their keys in a vehicle equipped with VEMS can call 1-877-U-UNLOCK and an operator will unlock the vehicle remotely. The new Visteon VEMS product continues a successful association formed in 1995 with Motorola and Protection One Mobile Services Group to develop the first 24-hour emergency and roadside assistance monitoring program in the United States. Visteon designed this latest generation system utilizing Motorola hardware, which is comprised of an emergency messaging system controller, an eight-channel GPS receiver linked to a GPS constellation of satellites and an external cellular phone handset. The handset's display updates drivers on the status of their requests via text messages. The 24-hour, 365-days-a-year monitoring service at the Visteon Response Center is provided by Protection One Mobile Services Group, a leader in the telematics industry, and a division of Protection One, one of the largest monitored security firms for homes and businesses in the world. For just over $1,200, consumers can purchase the VEMS system at Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships throughout the United States. Visteon Automotive Systems, an enterprise of Ford Motor Company , has 82,000 employees in 21 countries. Visteon has 82 plants -- including 32 joint ventures -- and 36 sales offices, engineering and technical centers. Visteon's corporate headquarters is in Dearborn, Mich. * All services are subject to local cellular and GPS signal availability. ** Airbag deployment and unlock service features are not available on all makes and models.