Yesterday we wrote about a report that the high tech camera company started by ex-Apple engineers, Pearl Automation, was closing its doors.
In correction, the company has been purchased by American Road Products, maker of backup sensors and cameras. American Road will take over Pearl’s product road map. Effective immediately, American Road now has responsibility of all product marketing, sales, support and software development or Pearl products including the Pearl RearVision wireless, solar, backup camera.
Also, InstallerNet will continue to work with the Pearl RearVision through American Road Products.
“InstallerNet has been working with American Road for over 10 years. We’re putting in place a program that’s an extension of the program we already developed for Pearl Automation,” said Tony Frangiosa, CEO of InstallerNet.
He added, “Retailers will be able to offer professional installation as an option to their customers. And 12 volt retailers will be able to provide the installation….Although the product is designed for do it yourselfers, installation is available as an option for RearVision customers.”
Also American Road plans to launch a bundled offering including professional installation with a lifetime warranty for RearVision.
Pearl RearVision is a solar, wireless backup camera that works with a smartphone that can be placed in a mount in front of the driver.
The camera includes WiFi and Bluetooth and uses dual HD cameras embedded in a license plate frame. The frame can deliver up to 180 degree views of the area behind the car, sent wirelessly to a smartphone.
American Road Products will integrate the RearVision product into its aftermarket vehicle technology strategy including “a significant investment in the development of advanced safety technologies,” it said.
American Road will also continue to support existing Pearl RearVision customers and channel partners “to assure successful transition while growing the business,” it said.
Pearl Automation was launched by 3 ex-Apple engineers and began shipping PearlVision in September. The company had raised $50 million in venture capital funds.
PearlVision is available at $499 and is sold through Amazon and Crutchfield as well as directly from the Pearl Automation web site. The PearlVision system is solar powered and offers a cross traffic feature to spot objects about to cross behind the car from up to 40 feet before they appear on the camera screen.
American Road Products, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket solutions. The company has been in business for more than 20 years and was the first manufacturer of a license plate frame aftermarket backup safety system. It holds several patents related to its ReverseGuard product.
For more information please visit www.AmericanRoadProducts.com or contact [email protected].
