Alpine Introduces Mobile MayDay Personal Safety System
27 October 1998
Alpine Introduces Mobile MayDay; Personal Safety System Marks Company's Entrance Into Telematics Industry
TORRANCE, Calif.--Oct. 27, 1998--
In-Vehicle Security System Delivers the Ultimate in
Safety and Convenience
Alpine Electronics of America Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance mobile electronics, Tuesday announced its entrance into the telematics industry with the introduction of the Mobile MayDay System.
Mobile MayDay uses the U.S. government's Global Positioning System (GPS) and wireless communications technology to provide enhanced personal security for consumers in conjunction with the On-Guard 24-hour Emergency Response Center operated by ATX Technologies Inc.
To mark the company's commitment in extending its security products line into the telematics industry, the company also announced that it has made an equity investment in ATX Technologies.
Mobile MayDay, which can be installed in any vehicle, includes a central control unit complete with a backup battery, a GPS antenna and two in-car (communications and panic) buttons. Mobile MayDay provides motorists with one-touch, two-way communications, personal security, roadside assistance, convenient concierge services and theft recovery.
Alpine's Mobile MayDay System is scheduled to be available to consumers in January 1999 at a target of under $1,000 for an installed system. In conjunction with the purchase and installation of the Mobile MayDay System, there is a monthly service fee of $19.95 for service to the On-Guard Response Center.
The 24-hour service includes personal safety and vehicle security monitoring, roadside assistance dispatch, theft recovery assistance, two-way communication and low battery warning. Concierge services such as remote door unlocking (power doors only), lists of nearby restaurants, gas stations and directional instructions are available for an additional charge per use.
"The introduction of the Alpine Mobile MayDay System represents a strategic addition to our mobile security products line," said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing.
"We believe that Mobile MayDay will be the most comprehensive security and safety solution in the market because of its two-way communication capabilities which will allow for future service expansion to provide valuable information to motorists such as real-time local traffic reports including suggested alternate routes," added Witt.
The Mobile MayDay System's safety and convenience features include:
-- Two-way Communication: Pressing the communication button puts you
in touch with the On-Guard Response Center; in the case of an
emergency, a skilled emergency communications specialist is made
aware of any special medical needs and stays on the line until
help arrives (a personal, confidential medical profile can be on
file at the On-Guard Response Center); if lost, street by street
and turn by turn directions are given.
-- Personal Security: A hidden panic button sends a silent call for
help; in the case of disabling injuries, medical emergencies or
car-jacking, nearby police, EMS or other assistance providers are
sent to the location of the car.
-- Convenient Concierge Services: When keys are locked in the
vehicle, power door locks can be remotely unlocked; turn-by-turn
directions.
-- Roadside Assistance: The closest service provider is sent should
the vehicle break down or require service while on the road.
-- Theft Recovery: In the event of car theft, local police are sent
updates on the vehicle's location, speed and direction; if a
high-speed chase begins, the car's engine can be shut down once
local police determine if conditions are safe; the horn can be
remotely honked if the vehicle is hidden; if the vehicle's alarm
is activated, the Mobile MayDay System will automatically contact
the On-Guard Response Center.
Telematics Industry Overview
Telematics involves the creation and development of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to track the navigation, traffic volume and safety of commercial and private vehicles on roads and highways.
From electronic toll collection and satellite remote monitoring of city buses to remote vehicle sensing systems that help law enforcement agencies recover stolen cars, the telematics industry's goal is to help motorists move quickly and safely from one destination to the next.
About ATX Technologies Inc.
ATX Technologies (www.track.com) is located in San Antonio, and is the leading provider of vehicle tracking, personal security and direction assistance for the vehicle aftermarket. ATX Technologies is the only company of its kind in the industry with complete vertical integration including design, manufacture, sales and operation of a 24-hour-a-day Response Center.
Each member of the On-Guard family of products can be installed in any vehicle to protect the owners against theft and other crimes, plus provide tracking data or other convenience services.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is one of the world's leading mobile electronics companies. Alpine is the only manufacturer specializing in mobile multimedia, an integrated system approach incorporating audio, visual, security and navigation products for the mobile environment.
With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the United States, Alpine is the global leader for in-vehicle navigation systems in Japan, North America and Europe for the after-market and for OEM factory installations.
Visit Alpine on the Internet at www.alpine1.com to discover the future of mobile multimedia or call 800/Alpine1 for the closest dealer.
