Mobile Briefs

MADISON HEIGHTS, MICH. — Code-Alarm announced recently that Ford will use its PowerCode technology in security systems in Ford vehicles as early as this fall. The PowerCode technology is currently available in the aftermarket through Code-Alarm. It allows users to purchase a basic black box system and then add features through software upgrades. The company said PowerCode technology will likely be offered as a Ford option this fall and as standard equipment in the future. Ford hasn't determined which vehicles will offer the technology, said a Code-Alarm spokeswoman. Under the agreement, Ford will be able to acquire a minority stake in Code-Alarm over a five-year period through an equity incentive program.

VISTA, CALIF. — DEI announced it will begin selling ACDelco branded keyless entry, security and remote start systems to the aftermarket. Until now, the company has sold the ACDelco security products only through new car dealers and expediters. DEI also said it has postponed the launch of its CarCom 2 car locator line. The company will begin beta testing the line and will relaunch it in January at CES under the new name Automatic Car Locators (ACL). DEI president and CEO Jim Minarik also noted that the company will make an aggressive push into the car stereo market with a new line of amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers at CES as well as new aggressive programs.

SIMI VALLEY, CALIF. — Crimestopper said it will not ship the line of car video and MP3 players announced at CES. "We had a supplier that couldn't give us the right pricing to be competitive so we decided it's not for us and we backed out," explained president Howard Miller. Crimestopper will focus on two-way remote alarms with remote start, including a new model to be called The Informer. No details were available.