Updated! A new aftermarket car electronics company called Encore Automotive Systems is set to launch July 15 offering a line of security/remote start products.
The line uses a new technology that improves the range of devices in the 434MHz bandwidth by 30 percent so you get ¼ to ½ mile range in the reliable 434MHz range, claims John Fernandez, executive VP for the company (and former national sales manager for Autopage).
The devices also embeds true antennas in the transmitters (instead of just a trace on a circuit board), he said.
The company, which is owned by a group of investors that Fernandez would not identify, is based in Santa Clarita, CA. Encore’s press statement said the company “was formed by industry experts with more than 45 years of combined experience.”
Encore is currently in the process of setting up a rep network and will ship five remote start and/or security products starting this month. A smartphone tracking system is also planned for Q4 along with additional models.
For July, the top line model is the E9 Professional Series remote start system with a metal, 2-way, 6-channel LCD remote extended range transceiver that comes with a second one-way transmitter. They are compatible with iDatalink interface modules from Automotive Data Solutions. Suggested retail price is $599.
“The industry is looking for something new in the security and convenience space,” said Fernandez. “We believe our product line is perfectly placed to meet both the relevant price points for retailers, and the expectations of today’s savvy, informed consumer.”
Other models available for shipping on July 15 are:
E3 and E4 – full-featured 3- and 4-channel security systems with slim, long-range remote transmitters and dual-stage impact protection at $199 and $299.
E6 and E7 – 3-and 4-channel security/remote start systems. The E6 includes enhanced anti-code grabbing technology, while the E7 features a two-way, long-range LCD remote transceiver. Suggested retail prices are $299 and $499.
For Q4, the company plans two standalone remote start models—the E1 and E2, as well as a smartphone tracking system that works with the iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, and Windows phones, according to Encore’s web site. It gives you two way confirmations and teen safety features including speed and curfew violations and seat belt warnings.
Source: Encore Automotive Systems
I wish them well. The formula for success in this sector of 12V is simple. Make it work. Make it keep working. Reduce customer confusion, comebacks, and conflict with car dealers. Get interfaces that actually do what they are supposed to do ALL of the time. Not just “most” of the time. Simple, right??