@Road and Code-Alarm Form Alliance to Deliver Web-Based Telematics Solution
7 December 2000
@Road and Code-Alarm Form Alliance to Deliver Web-Based Telematics Solution
FREMONT, Calif.--Dec. 7, 2000--@Road(SM) , which develops and provides location-enhanced wireless Internet applications and platforms, and Code-Alarm (OTC:CODL), an internationally recognized leader in the automotive safety and security industry, Thursday announced that they have established an alliance to deliver through retail channels a Web-based telematics solution for use by motorists in their vehicles.The parties anticipate initiating market activities with a pilot program in Detroit.
The parties expect to deliver through selected automotive retail channels telematics solutions that leverage the @Road LocationSmart(TM) technology platform and Code-Alarm's expertise in automotive sensor technology, electronics manufacturing and distribution.
Emphasizing consumer safety, security and convenience services, the parties plan to offer vehicle diagnostics, stolen vehicle recovery, emergency roadside assistance, location-based yellow pages, real-time traffic reports, interactive navigation and concierge services such as localized information on nearby hotels, restaurants and gas stations.
"Telematic solutions that provide the end customer safety, security and convenience when on the road represent yet another way of delivering wireless Web-based services and communications to people on the move," said Krish Panu, @Road chairman and CEO.
"Through our alliance with Code-Alarm, it is our intention to create an Internet connection in the vehicle that will link people in their cars to the services and information they need while in transit."
"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to establish this alliance with one of the clear and established leaders in mobile resource management, @Road," said Rand Mueller, chairman and CEO of Code-Alarm.
"The long-awaited convergence of tracking, security and convenience technologies is finally taking place. This convergence will make these services a cost-effective reality for the consumer market and we feel our combined strengths put us in an ideal position to make the most of that tremendous potential."
Leveraging mobile resource management solutions currently offered by @Road in the commercial vehicle market, the joint effort with Code-Alarm will represent entry by @Road into the consumer telematics market as a provider of one of the first Web-based platforms for remote monitoring of vehicle location and functions and the delivery of location-enhanced content.
The @Road LocationSmart platform integrates GPS, wireless connectivity and Internet-hosted applications. Code-Alarm will be responsible for vehicle connectivity and distribution of the telematics service package via Code-Alarm's sales and marketing network, as well as for distribution, installation and management of the call center and customer care.
About @Road
Based in Fremont, @Road is an Internet information services company that provides location-enhanced wireless Internet solutions for mobile resource management. Its LocationSmart technology platform combines wireless, positioning and XML technologies with the Internet into a fully integrated network that supports the delivery of location-enhanced wireless Internet services for businesses and mobile professionals.
For more information, visit the company Web site at www.atroad.com.
About Code-Alarm
Code-Alarm manufactures remote vehicle safety and security systems for the world's top automakers, including General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Mazda and Volkswagen. The company also sells its products in 2,000 locations in 35 countries around the globe under the Code-Alarm(TM) and Chapman(TM) brand names.
Code-Alarm builds its products to automotive specifications and is certified under the QS-9000 quality system designated by the Big Three. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience working with the world's top automakers, Code-Alarm's systems are designed specifically to work with the sophisticated electrical systems found in today's cars, trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles.
Code-Alarm employs more than 30 engineers and technical specialists who work closely with automotive engineers on three core products categories: vehicle security and content protection, remote keyless entry and remote car starters. Visit Code-Alarm on the Web at www.code-alarm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, @Road historical and future losses, limited operating history, the infancy of the wireless data industry where there is no established market for @Road products and services, ability of @Road to adapt to rapid technological change, reliance by @Road on a limited number of customers and dependence of @Road on wireless networks, network infrastructure and positioning systems owned and controlled by others. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the @Road prospectus dated Sept. 28, 2000, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Note to Editors: @Road, the @Road logo and LocationSmart are trademarks and/or service marks of At Road Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.