Delphi Selected by Directed Electronics to be Exclusive Hardware Provider For First CDMA-based Telematics Aftermarket Devices
Automatic Vehicle Locator Device to Operate Nationwide, Exclusively on the Wingcast Service Delivery Network
biz.yahoo.com
SAN DIEGO and VISTA, Calif., and TROY, Mich., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Directed Electronics, Inc., the world's largest aftermarket vehicle security and remote start company, today announced an agreement with Delphi Corporation (NYSE: DPH), for Delphi to exclusively supply telematics systems hardware. The telematics systems will provide Wingcast services for vehicle aftermarket customers. Delphi will manufacture the hardware designed in conjunction with Directed and San Diego-based Wingcast.
Directed and Wingcast, a company founded by Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and QUALCOMM (Nasdaq: QCOM) to provide telematics services and applications, are co-developing the first digital CDMA-based telematics products and services for the aftermarket. The companies plan to offer GPS-based anti-theft tracking, operated via a Web interface, plus 2-way wireless command and control of vehicle functions. Live Wingcast operators and Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) functionality will support the services. Unlike other anti-theft tracking devices, the product will have nationwide functionality over the Wingcast network.
Each of the companies brings a unique area of strength to the business arrangement. Directed, the manufacturer of Viper, Clifford and other well-known automotive aftermarket electronics brands, provides valuable branding expertise and distribution channels to the project. Delphi was the first company to market with factory installed telematics hardware in 1996 and is a leader in systems integration. Wingcast adds extensive wireless, automotive and computing experience.
``We are excited about this opportunity to work with Directed and Wingcast,'' said Dr. Robert W. Schumacher, Delphi's Business Line Executive for Wireless Products. ``Digital telematics technology is well-positioned to overtake today's analog systems, and Delphi is pleased to help lead the transition.''
``The advantages of digital CDMA technology are clear,'' said Jim Minarik, Directed's President and CEO. ``In the automotive environment, the twin benefits of low power consumption and high data rates will make the Directed/Wingcast/Delphi solution very attractive. We are tremendously excited to be working with Delphi, a world class company with great depth in automotive wireless capability.''
Wingcast's CEO, Harel Kodesh, stated, ``The selection of Delphi, a Tier-1 supplier to the automakers and world leader in transportation components, virtually assures that the Directed/Wingcast/Delphi solution will be one of the most innovative and influential telematics products for the automotive aftermarket.''
The initial product being jointly developed by the three companies will combine Wingcast's service delivery network, Delphi-manufactured hardware and Directed's features and security system compatibility. The product will provide consumers with Web-and-GPS-based Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and related services including automatic notification of security system triggers, for a low monthly fee. The system can be installed stand-alone or seamlessly connected to Directed's ESP and ESP2-equipped security systems. The initial products are scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2003, following field-testing in the fourth quarter of this year and official launch at the 2003 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
``Moving forward, CDMA telematics will provide us with a robust interface in the vehicle to deliver hands-free voice, information and entertainment services,'' said Minarik. |
