HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- VOXX International
Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), today announced that its wholly owned
subsidiary, VOXXHirschmann, a tier-one supplier to the world's
leading Automotive OEM's, has officially launched its new efob or
Phone-as-a-Key technology, the latest evolution in its full line of
remote start and keyless entry products. With efob, consumers no
longer have to carry their car keys and can now access, drive and
share their vehicle seamlessly through the use of their smartphone
and an efob-enabled, Bluetooth mobile application and
infrastructure. Additionally, the Company also disclosed that it
has secured an award of business from a west coast-based electric
vehicle manufacturer as their tier-one supplier for the efob
technology with production and delivery scheduled to begin in
2018.
Combining the capabilities of a secure smartphone application
designed for Apple and Android devices, this new patented efob
solution leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) technology, a
network of sensors and unique micro-proximity detection application
software, secure cloud, and other intellectual property. Consumers
can now seamlessly enable control over all functions of traditional
factory keyless entry/exit key fobs now available on most push
button start-equipped cars and trucks simply by approaching their
vehicle with their smartphone, provided vehicles are equipped with
smart sensors. As an added safety feature, neither the vehicle nor
the smartphone need a cellular or internet connection to
unlock/start the car once paired and since the app works in the
background, no action on the smartphone or by the consumer is
required.
Available as a stand-alone app or fully integrated with an OEM's
consumer smartphone application offering, efob delivers the
convenience of highly accurate proximity-based detection with
advanced capabilities for full control of automated user preference
vehicle settings. With efob, vehicle owners gain access to powerful
new functionality thanks to its cloud-based digital key management
system, allowing them to control functions and features such
as:
- Share vehicle access with family members and friends
electronically via their smartphone; a feature that is ideal for
both large families as well as ride-sharing services and fleet
managers
- Implement time and geo-based restrictions and usage limits
- Create multiple user profiles featuring individualized
preferences (seating & mirror positions, radio pre-sets,
climate controls, and more), all automatically activated by
proximity to the vehicle
- Added anti-theft functionality
"The efob Phone-as-a-Key is an exciting new addition to our
range of industry-leading remote start and vehicle access products
and a solution for OEM's who continuously are looking to
differentiate themselves in the market," said Michael Schroeder, Senior Vice President, Sales
and Business Development with VOXXHirschmann Corporation. "More
than just a replacement for a physical key, thanks to our patented
technology your smartphone, the efob platform will enable OEM's to
offer a wide array of new in-car functionality including wireless
sharing and linking of devices, further complementing their current
vehicle automation programs without increasing system costs and
complexity."
Mr. Schroeder continued, "Since we introduced the efob or
Phone-as-a-Key technology concept last year, we have seen
substantial interest from both current and potential Automotive
customers highlighted by our first award from a new electric
vehicle manufacturer with production slated to begin in 2018. We
believe that the ability to personalize settings, both for the
driver and for those they wish to provide access to the vehicle, is
a convenience factor that will remain in high-demand. Additionally,
efob's cloud-based approach for managing individual cars, fleets of
vehicles and multiple users for different vehicles, can be a
significant mobility enabler for the wide spread adoption of ride
sharing, a rapidly growing industry that many OEM's are actively
exploring. We look forward to working with our OEM partners over
the coming years in bringing this solution to market in their
forthcoming vehicles."
About VOXXHirschmann Corporation
VOXXHirschmann Corp.
is subsidiary of VOXX International which combines the domestic and
international OE design, engineering, manufacturing and sales
assets of Hirschmann Car Communication, Audiovox, Code Systems and
Invision. This worldwide collaboration brings together over 220
engineers and dozens of OE Automotive customers and tier-one
companies. VOXXHirschmann has the capabilities to globally support
every level of OE vehicle distribution, from vehicle production
lines to modification centers and ports of entry and embarkation,
to dealerships. Among the global customers served, include Audi,
BMW, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, GM, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Subaru,
Tesla, Volkswagen, and more.
About VOXX International Corporation
VOXX
International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) has grown into a worldwide
leader in many automotive and consumer electronics and accessories
categories, as well as premium high-end audio. Today, VOXX
International Corporation has an extensive distribution network
that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt
specialists and most of the world's leading automotive
manufacturers. The Company has an international footprint in
Europe, Asia, Mexico
and South America, and a growing
portfolio, which now comprises over 30 trusted brands. Among the
key domestic brands are Klipsch®, RCA®, Invision®, Jensen®,
Audiovox®, Terk®, Acoustic Research®, Advent®, Code Alarm®, Car
Connection®, 808®, AR for Her®, and Prestige®. International brands
include Hirschmann Car Communication®, Klipsch®, Jamo®, Energy®,
Mirage®, Mac Audio®, Magnat®, Heco®, Schwaiger®, Oehlbach® and
Incaar™. For additional information, please visit our Web site at
www.voxxintl.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical
information contained herein, statements made in this release that
would constitute forward-looking statements may involve certain
risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements made in
this release are based on currently available information and the
Company assumes no responsibility to update any such
forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others,
may cause actual results to differ materially from the results
suggested in the forward-looking statements. The factors include,
but are not limited to risks that may result from changes in the
Company's business operations; our ability to keep pace with
technological advances; significant competition in the automotive,
premium audio and consumer accessories businesses; our
relationships with key suppliers and customers; quality and
consumer acceptance of newly introduced products; market
volatility; non-availability of product; excess inventory; price
and product competition; new product introductions; foreign
currency fluctuations and concerns regarding the European debt
crisis; restrictive debt covenants; the possibility that the review
of our prior filings by the SEC may result in changes to our
financial statements; and the possibility that stockholders or
regulatory authorities may initiate proceedings against VOXX
International Corporation and/or our officers and directors as a
result of any restatements. Risk factors associated with our
business, including some of the facts set forth herein, are
detailed in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 29, 2016.
Company Contact:
Michael Schroeder, Senior V.P., OEM
Sales and Business Development
VOXXHirschmann Corporation
Tel: 248-307-3883 / Email: mschroeder@voxxintl.com
Investor and Media Relations Contact:
Glenn Wiener
GW Communications
Tel: 212-786-6011 / Email: gwiener@GWCco.com
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SOURCE VOXX International