VOXX Electronics’s announced it will begin shipping a fully upgraded “5 Series” vehicle security/remote start line in September and it will launch a new “zero tolerance” distribution program for Code Alarm that prevents Internet sales.
For the first time Code Alarm is offering two product programs, one for complete security/remote start systems and one for “components” or security/remote starts with a selection of transmitters.
The full program includes five new remote start/security kits (two security kits, two remote start kits, and one remote start with keyless entry kit).
Under the new distribution program, Code Alarm is requiring dealers sign a new agreement that prevents online sales. It will focus on selling directly to 12 volt specialists, with a “very limited number of regional distributors,” said Joe Dentamaro VOXX VP of Vehicle Safety, Security and Convenience.
“We felt by limiting the distribution of Code Alarm, selling directly to 12 volt specialists with an enforceable dealer agreement that we’d have better control,” he said, adding, the aim is to improve dealer margins.
Code Alarm will use half the number of distributors in the past and they must outbound scan every Code Alarm product and put in place dealer agreements between VOXX and the retailer. VOXX also serializes and scans all of its products so they can trace any Internet violators, Dentamaro said.
Regarding the new 5 Series line, VOXX claims its new transmitters are the thinnest 2-way models on the market. New modules have shrunk by over 40 percent. New installation friendly features have been added including longer wiring harnesses and a slide-in FLCART transponder / data bus interface port has been added throughout the component program.
The component program consists of three system or controller choices – Security, Remote Start and Security with Remote Start. Then the dealer can choose from more than 9 transmitter kits or control options such as one-way or two way or Long Range LoRa, and LED or LCD. Pricing for the line will be the same or lower than last year.
VOXX also announced this week new no-fee 1 mile remote start-from-a-phone. Dentamaro acknowledged users must still carry a transmitter, but noted the required Bluetooth transmitters is half the size of a 2-way (and the same size as a 1-way) transmitter. At CES, VOXX will launch a credit card sized transmitter that can be kept in a wallet or purse or affixed to the back of a phone, so there’s no need for a keychain transmitter when using the 1-mile no fee system, he said.
VOXX will also release an in-store merchandising and display program for Code Alarm and other VOXX products.
Glad to see Voxx step up and protect this. If they make line protected and profitable like Sony has done with their 12v products the last few years, this will be a home-run. Joe Dentamaro does a fantastic job and and I hope this is a HUGE succe$$ful hit for Voxx.
When have I heard this before? Just wait until the first month of slower than expected sales. The floodgates will open.