Code-Alarm and @Road Form Alliance to Deliver Web-Based Telematics Solution
7 December 2000
Code-Alarm and @Road Form Alliance to Deliver Web-Based Telematics Solution
FREMONT, Calif., and MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Dec. 7 Code-
Alarm (OTC:CODL), an internationally-recognized leader in the automotive
safety and security industry and @Road , which develops and
provides location-enhanced wireless Internet applications and platforms, today
announced that they have established an alliance to deliver a web-based
telematics solution for use by motorists in their vehicles through retail
channels. The parties anticipate initiating market activities with a pilot
program in Detroit, Michigan.
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.
"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."
"Telematic solutions which 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."
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 delivery of location-enhanced content. The @Road 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.
Based in Fremont, CA, @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,
please visit the company Web site at http://www.atroad.com .
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 care starters. Visit Code-Alarm on the Web at
http://www.code-alarm.com .
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: The statements contained in this news release include certain
predictions and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements
under securities law. These statements involve a number of important risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
including, but not limited to, the performance of the automotive industry,
certain customers and affiliated companies, as well as other economic,
competitive and technological factors involving the Company's operations,
markets, services, products and prices.