Delco Remy International Unit and ZEUS Enter Into Agreement
4 November 1999
Delco Remy International Unit and ZEUS Enter Into Technology Development and Distribution Agreement for Smart-Start In-Solenoid Technology Smart-Start is the First and Only In-Solenoid Vehicle Anti-Theft Device
LAS VEGAS, AAIW Booth # 3072, Nov. 3 -- Delco Remy America
(DRA), a unit of Delco Remy International, Inc., and ZEUS
announced that they have entered into a Technology Development and
Distribution Agreement to develop Smart-Start(TM), the first embedded in-
solenoid, multi-feature control and diagnostic capable technology for starter
motor products. With the development and introduction of the Smart-Start(TM)
technology, the companies will be combining two large markets -- vehicle
security and starter/solenoid -- into a single value enhanced, feature rich,
product platform.
According to the FBI, over 1.5 million vehicles were stolen in 1997.
During that same time period, U. S. consumers spent over half a billion
dollars on vehicle security products.
"Smart-Start(TM) is going to revolutionize the automotive security
industry and the starter solenoid market," said Steve Kenney, Chief Executive
Officer of ZEUS. "By embedding the vehicle security features inside the body
of the starter solenoid, Smart-Start(TM) will overcome the shortcomings found
in existing OE and aftermarket security products."
Unlike most vehicle security products on the market today, Smart-Start(TM)
meets the requirements of law enforcement agencies and insurance companies to
successfully curtail vehicle theft. A primary requirement for a successful
vehicle security device includes significantly increasing the time it takes to
defeat an anti-theft device. An additional essential requirement includes not
being able to defeat the security device from inside the vehicle, a fault
found in most alarms and anti-theft devices on the market. In order to defeat
the Smart-Start(TM), a vehicle thief must change the starter solenoid or the
starter motor, a task that takes a considerable amount of time.
In addition to theft deterrence, Smart-Start(TM) offers numerous
additional features that are favorable to vehicle owners and manufacturers.
Since its invention the starter solenoid has always been a simple single
function electromechanical device. Smart-Start(TM) is the first multi-
featured, enhancement in starter solenoid technology providing such features
as re-start prevention, over cranking prevention, thermal overload protection
and remote start.
"This is DRA's latest co-development effort in automotive aftermarket and
original equipment products," said Thomas Jennett, senior vice president and
general manager, DRA Aftermarket Division. "We immediately recognized the
market potential of the Smart-Start(TM) technology in the solenoid retrofit,
replacement and OE markets."
DRA and ZEUS are anticipating shipping Smart-Start(TM) in the second half
of the year 2000.
DRA and ZEUS will demonstrate Smart-Start(TM) at the Automotive
Aftermarket Industry Week show (booth #3072 in the Sands Expo Center, Las
Vegas, NV).
ZEUS is a technology driven, development company based in San Diego,
California. The company has developed Smart-Start(TM), the first and only
embedded in-solenoid, multi-feature control and diagnostic capable technology
available for starter motor products. Additionally, the company has
introduced ZEUS and THOR aftermarket vehicle security products.
Delco Remy America is a subsidiary of Delco Remy International, Inc.
(DRI). Delco Remy International, Inc., headquartered in Anderson, Indiana
(USA), became a public company with an initial public offering of
stock in December 1997. The company designs, manufactures, remanufactures and
distributes electrical, powertrain/drivetrain and related components for
automobiles and light trucks, medium and heavy-duty trucks and other heavy-
duty off-road vehicles. Products include starter motors, alternators,
engines, transmissions, torque converters, fuel systems, and traction control
systems. The Company serves the aftermarket and original equipment
manufacturer market, principally in North America, as well as in Europe, Latin
America and Asia Pacific. DRI can be found on the Internet at
http://www.delcoremy.com
Statements in this press announcement, which are not historical facts, are
forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties
including, but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future
financial results, acquisition, additional financing requirements, development
of new products and services, the effect of competitive products or pricing,
the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
