Vetronix to Launch 'CarPort' Peripheral And Application Software Suite
10 February 2000
Vetronix Corporation to Launch 'CarPort' Peripheral And Application Software Suite for the Clarion AutoPC
Hardware and software applications enable the driver to monitor and control
vehicle operation via the Clarion AutoPC
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 10 -- Vetronix Corporation, a
leader in the automotive service equipment industry, announced today its plans
to launch the CarPort accessory for the Clarion AutoPC(TM). CarPort includes
a hardware peripheral that interfaces the Clarion AutoPC to the vehicle's
on-board electronics system, and a suite of more than ten software
applications. CarPort uses the Microsoft Auto PC platform, powered by
Microsoft Windows CE, to enable the driver to monitor and control vehicle
operation via the Auto PC. CarPort will be retailed by authorized Clarion
dealers nationwide and will be available by the end of January.
"Vetronix believes that our CarPort product provides a set of unique and
compelling functions for the driver," said Jim Zaleski, President of Vetronix.
"Our CarPort applications are enhanced by the speech recognition and synthesis
of Windows CE and take full advantage of the integration capabilities of the
Clarion AutoPC. We are pleased to have worked with Microsoft and Clarion in
developing these products."
"Clarion is excited by the launch of CarPort this month," said James
Minarik, President of Clarion Corporation of America. "We have worked closely
with Vetronix during the entire development of CarPort and are pleased by
their support of the Clarion AutoPC product line. We are glad that our
authorized retailers will be able to offer CarPort to AutoPC customers."
Powered by the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, a highly scalable,
optimized platform, the Clarion AutoPC fits into the same space normally
occupied by a car radio. The Auto PC is a high end car audio system that
features speech recognition and synthesis to control and operate its numerous
functions. The Clarion AutoPC has a user-friendly graphical interface and
other car audio and computing features that create a truly innovative
information and entertainment device for the automobile.
In 1996, Microsoft invited Vetronix to develop vehicle interface
capability for the Windows CE platform due to the company's extensive
experience in providing automotive service solutions for vehicle OEMs.
"Microsoft is pleased by Vetronix's support of and commitment to the Auto PC
platform," said Roger Gulrajani, group product manager, information appliances
division at Microsoft Corp. "Their CarPort hardware peripherals and software
applications provide drivers with an exciting set of functions that are
enabled by the Auto PC platform, which keeps users connected and on course."
CarPort allows the Auto PC to communicate with the vehicle's on-board
computer system and to connect to other elements of the vehicle's electrical
system, such as door locks, horn, hazard lights and starter disable. This
enables the CarPort application software suite to access data from the vehicle
and to control some aspects of the vehicle's operation. The CarPort functions
are categorized into four groups:
-- Drive Monitor functions inform the driver how his/her car is
operating, and how the car was driven by borrowers.
-- Mobile Professional function tracks mileage for expense reports and
maintenance logs.
-- Auto Security functions provide for anti-theft, car jack and off-site
door locking. Some of these functions can be controlled by telephone
using the pager accessory for the Auto PC provided by Cue Data
Corporation.
-- Telecommunications functions enable the driver to remotely unlock the
doors or locate the vehicle in crowded parking lots. These functions
are controlled by telephone using the Cue pager.
In developing CarPort, Vetronix leveraged the technology developed by the
company during its 15 years as a leader in the automotive service equipment
industry. The CarPort hardware module is compact, ruggedized and compatible
with the demanding in-vehicle environment. It communicates with the Auto PC
using the Universal Serial Bus (USB), a high-speed, industry standard bus for
connections between PCs and peripherals. CarPort includes a CD-ROM with
software applications, DLLs and driver software for Windows CE, as well as
vehicle interface databases. These databases are derived from data compiled
by Vetronix in developing its vehicle diagnostic products. This data has been
extensively validated by Vetronix and field-proven during wide-spread use by
professional service technicians.
About Vetronix: Founded in 1984, Vetronix Corporation is a recognized
leader in the automotive service equipment industry. The Vetronix product
line includes a family of hand-held diagnostic testers for engines,
transmissions, anti-lock brakes, airbags, instrument clusters and cruise
control, as well as analyzers for emissions-related diagnostic repair. The
company also offers a PC Workstation and associated software products designed
to integrate Vetronix test equipment and service information, and to provide a
gateway to enterprise-wide computing.
Through cooperative development relationships with automotive OEMs such as
General Motors, Adam Opel, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, Suzuki and Kia,
Vetronix testers and diagnostic software dominate the market. Over 40% of all
new vehicles produced worldwide are serviced at the dealership level with
OEM-mandated products designed and developed by Vetronix. Vetronix products
are distributed in 45 countries, with software and product documentation
translated into 27 languages.
Product and company names herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners.