Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
In-Vehicle Access Panel serves as theft deterrent.
Press Release Summary:
Guidepoint(TM) Access Panel provides stolen vehicle recovery, driver safety, and convenience system with in-vehicle switch that lets drivers access help when needed. Switch allows user to arm/disarm system's Security Fence(TM) and send instant OnCall(TM) alert to 24/7/365 response center. Dashboard-mounted unit integrates GPS, wireless technology, and Web capabilities, delivering location-based driving directions, roadside assistance, and emergency dispatch.
Original Press Release:
Guidepoint(TM) Debuts New In-Vehicle Access Panel
Fast-growing aftermarket telematics firm adds a "blue light" special
PONTIAC, Mich., Nov. 29 -- Move over blue button, there's a new star -- with a different kind of blue -- that's begun showing up in cars and trucks across North America: Guidepoint(TM).
Guidepoint, a stolen vehicle recovery, driver safety and convenience system sold at new-car dealers nationwide, has begun shipping units with a new in-vehicle switch that lets drivers access help with the touch of a button. Called the Guidepoint Access Panel, the switch allows consumers to arm/disarm the system's Security Fence(TM) and to send an instant OnCall(TM) alert to Guidepoint's response center. Designed to be mounted on the dashboard, the panel features easy-to-understand graphics of a fence and phone, and a brilliant blue warning light to show system status and serve as theft deterrent.
"Lots of cars already have flashing red lights from factory-installed security systems and anti-theft radios," explains Rand Mueller, president and chief executive officer. "We wanted to differentiate and simplify the Guidepoint Access Panel to make it easy to use and easy to install."
The new access panel allows users to easily arm and disarm the Security Fence(TM) feature, which sets an invisible fence with a one-mile radius around the vehicle. If the vehicle is driven or towed out of that area without authorization, Guidepoint's response center will notify the owner and, if necessary, contact the authorities.
The new panel also allows users to access assistance at the touch of a button with Guidepoint's OnCall feature. Push the button, and an alert will be sent to the response center, which will call the owner back on his or her pre-determined contact number. Unlike OnStar(TM), which uses a factory- installed communication system featuring a blue button, Guidepoint works with standard cell phones, home phones, pagers or any communication device.
"We have found that consumers like the flexibility of being called on their cell phone or being sent a text message, particularly if their car has been moved without authorization," Mueller says.
The changes are the latest improvements to Guidepoint, a dealer-installed system that offers consumers a complete range of services that will make their driving experience safer, smarter and easier. Guidepoint integrates GPS and advanced wireless technology, a live 24/7/365 response center and the Web to deliver location-based services -- from driving directions to roadside assistance to emergency dispatch -- to the vehicle.
About GPSi
GPSi develops and markets telematics solutions for the automotive aftermarket. Based in Pontiac, Michigan, GPSi draws on more than three decades of experience supplying mobile electronics to the automotive aftermarket, as well as 15 years experience in vehicle tracking. The Guidepoint(TM) telematics service, which is available through leading auto dealers in the United States and Mexico, lets drivers access a range of safety, security and convenience options including 24/7 vehicle tracking, emergency dispatch, roadside assistance, discounted hotel and dining and more. Visit www.guidepointsystems.com/ or call 1-877-GPS-FIND for more information.
CONTACT: Brian Edwards, VP Corporate Development of GPSi, +1-616-262-7484, brian@guidepointsystems.com
