Code-Alarm Begins Shipping PowerCode Technology(TM) Products
4 January 2001
Code-Alarm Begins Shipping PowerCode Technology(TM) Products
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 Code-Alarm, Inc. announced today that it
has begun shipping products featuring its revolutionary PowerCode
Technology(TM), which offers drivers an infinitely upgradeable remote control
system for their vehicles.
The Madison Heights, Mich.-based manufacturer of automotive electronics
will be taking PowerCode orders from dealers during the 2001 Consumer
Electronics Show, which runs Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas. Code-Alarm will
demonstrate PowerCode Technology in Booth 21143 Gold Lot during the four-day
trade show.
PowerCode, which is being marketed under the PowerElite(TM) tradename, is
an all-in-one remote vehicle control system that operates today's most popular
vehicle security and convenience options, yet is designed to expand quickly
and easily to accommodate features that have yet to be invented. The new
technology operates in a fashion similar to the personal computer or the
popular GameBoy(R) by Nintendo, which features a main controller module that
runs interchangeable software cartridges.
"The introduction of PowerCode will give the vehicle security and
convenience industry a much-needed shot in the arm," said Peter Stouffer,
president and chief operating officer of Code-Alarm. "Sales have been
relatively flat in the vehicle security and convenience category, but
PowerCode has the power to change that.
"We believe PowerCode technology is the first truly 'new' product to be
introduced in the vehicle security and convenience category in quite some
time. Its versatility and simplicity will appeal to dealers, installers and
consumers alike -- and the fact that it is infinitely expandable provides
dealers an opportunity to capture something we call the 'never-ending sale.' "
Stouffer explained that the 'never-ending sale' concept goes to the heart
of what makes PowerCode truly unique in the industry. The technology uses a
proprietary design that transforms an electronic "black box" into a flexible,
onboard computer that operates keyless entry, remote car start, anti-theft and
other popular security and convenience features.
This format makes upgrading capabilities extremely simple. Once the main
controller module is installed in the vehicle, consumers can add features by
purchasing software cartridges with built-in microprocessors that control the
electronic systems through a multiplex port. As vehicle telematics continues
to grow and new feature sets come into demand, Code-Alarm will introduce new
cartridges that will allow the system to do just about anything the driver
wants.
PowerCode has already won rave reviews from dealers like Lambros
Vassiliou, who owns Soundsation in Staten Island, New York.
"Code-Alarm's PowerCode Technology allows the customer, as well as the
installer, the flexibility and versatility to easily add new features without
time-consuming and expensive tear outs and reinstalls," Vassiliou said. "Once
again, American-made Code-Alarm products lead the industry in quality and
performance."
Code-Alarm's booth at CES will feature two vehicles wired with PowerCode
Technology through remote demonstration pods. Dealers will be able to swap
out feature set cartridges from the test stands and put the vehicles through
their paces using the system's remote transmitters. Because these feature
sets are software based, Code-Alarm will be able to bring new feature sets to
market in less than 60 days.
PowerElite products offer two basic controller units and 10 feature-set
cartridges that allow drivers to add increasingly sophisticated security and
convenience options such as:
* Remote start of the vehicle;
* Complete vehicle security, including content protection and anti-towing
capabilities;
* Remote car finder with progressive sound;
* Remote controls that turn on the headlights, open the windows or
sliding doors, open the sunroof or adjust the driver's seat;
* Hibernation mode and virtual memory; and
* Up to 90 other features.
"This demonstration will allow dealers to see the immediate advantages of
PowerCode," said Joe Dentamaro, director of sales. "The flexibility of the
product and the ease with which we can upgrade it means that 12-volt dealers
will always have the hottest new convenience and security features at the
beginning of the selling cycle -- if not before.
"We are working with our existing dealers to show them how they can use
PowerCode technology to build their 12-volt business by upgrading products for
their current customers and offering a steady stream of new products to build
on their customer base."
About Code-Alarm
Code-Alarm manufactures remote vehicle control 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 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 product categories: vehicle security and
content protection, remote keyless-entry and remote car starters. Visit Code-
Alarm on the web at http://www.code-alarm.com .