Audiovox Launches Vehicle Security, Remote-Start Systems

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 2/10/2010

Orlando - Audiovox has begun shipping its redesigned Pursuit series of vehicle security and remote-start systems and an Advent-brand installed Bluetooth hands-free kit designed with a Toyota OEM look, the company is announcing here at the NADA (National Automobile Dealer Association) show.

The company is also unveiling a system that improves the security of vehicles stored in dealers' lots.

In the new 11-SKU Pursuit series, the company developed a family look to the entire line as well as a new transmitter design that's more OEM-like. Other new features include:

• a Telematics data port to plug in the new PursuiTrak (PROPT20) GPS Tracking System, which unlike its predecessor is available with a prepaid plan;
• a dual-stage impact sensor with city mode that "virtually eliminates false triggering;" and
• a horn-honk output to eliminate the need to install a siren. If a siren is not installed, the new systems feature a built-in noisemaker that differentiates a panic alert from a horn-honk break-in alert.

The new Pursuit series also features uniform wiring and programming and a DBI port enabling "plug-in" connections of the company's FlashLogic transponder and door-lock interface modules to reduce installation time.

The series includes basic alarms as well as systems with two-way remotes, security, remote start and keyless entry.

The Advent Bluetooth hands-free kit for Toyotas features an in-dash Toyota-style switch that connects to a universal Bluetooth module, which in turn connects to the factory sound system. Factory-look Bluetooth switches are also available for use with the universal module for Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan vehicles.

 Advent also offers two Bluetooth systems with a universal switch. One system's switch mounts on the windshield pillar post, and the other system's round switch can be installed in place of the cigarette lighter.

 All of the Advent kits feature full-duplex digital signal processing, the ability to connect to up to three different phones, and Bluetooth voice dialing when used with compatible phones.

In another announcement, Audiovox said it developed a new security system that lets high-volume car dealers preload their vehicles with alarm systems. Once installed, the new PROPLM system can be programmed after a sale to operate as a keyless-entry system or as a full-fledged alarm system. Before a sale, the system can be programmed to protect the cars on the lot while also making it easy for salespeople to demo the vehicles.

The PROPLM system is designed for use with a dealer's PC-connected authentication control module (ACM), which salespeople use daily to authenticate a single keypad-equipped remote transmitter that is assigned to them. Authentication enables each salesperson to keep a single remote that will disarm any vehicle on the lot, but only during specific hours and only for the specific vehicle that a salesperson plans to demonstrate. The salesperson chooses a specific vehicle to disarm by entering the vehicle's stock number on the transmitter's keypad.

If the remote is lost or stolen, the remote's ID is deleted from the ACM system to prevent unauthorized use.

The ACM system provides greater security than other "lot mode" systems in dealerships using "short-range" remotes that operate all of the installed security systems in cars on the lot, Audiovox said. If the remote is lost or stolen, dealers might have to recode each security system in each car on the lot, the company explained.