ATLANTA, March 3 /PRNewswire/ --
- in-Drive device testing fuels European telematics initiatives
HUGHES Telematics, a leader in providing next generation telematics solutions, today announced that it has completed the successful initial testing of its in-Drive aftermarket solution in Europe. in-Drive, which was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2009, is an aftermarket solution that offers comprehensive telematics services including emergency call (e-Call), breakdown assistance (b-Call), diagnostics monitoring and emission testing, stolen vehicle tracking and geofencing.
in-Drive's robust feature set gives users access to significant vehicle information and connectivity with convenient, real-time access via the Web, said Fred Blumer, vice president of aftermarket and data services, HUGHES Telematics. The unit's small size, simplicity and capacity for handling large amounts of data were essential factors driving the development of our self-installed, plug-and-play solution.
HUGHES Telematics' engineering team successfully placed test b-Calls and e-Calls from Europe, as well as executed bi-directional data transfers using the in-Drive solution. The creation of in-Drive leverages HUGHES Telematics' Next Generation Telematics Architecture, and demonstrates the company's ability to successfully operate on a global basis.
in-Drive's preliminary success has significant implications within the industry, specifically in Europe, as it allows OEMs and solution providers to develop e-Call and b-Call initiatives without the need for professional installation of in-vehicle hardware and software, said Mike Sena, vice president of business development, Europe, HUGHES Telematics. Additionally, third parties can leverage the elegant self-install features to support pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) insurance programs or offer additional benefits for travel club members.
With the complexities related to the development of a universal solution in Europe, an aftermarket solution can help accelerate the telematics rollout and adoption in the market, said David McClure, director of intelligent transportation systems and telematics at the independent automotive consulting firm SBD. Telematics in Europe will soon see a significant surge as both manufacturers and drivers begin to experience the value of being connected.
HUGHES Telematics has created a unique foundation with its Next Generation Telematics Architecture and will continue to work together with suppliers across Europe to offer comprehensive telematics services to global markets. With the ongoing testing of in-Drive, HUGHES Telematics will continue its expansion into Europe and other global markets with the vision of connecting the automotive world.
About HUGHES Telematics
HUGHES Telematics (www.HUGHEStelematics.com) is a leader in implementing the next generation of connected services for the automobile. Centered on a core platform of safety and security offerings, the company develops and manages vehicle- and driver-centric solutions to enhance the driving and ownership experience. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., HUGHES Telematics offers a portfolio of consumer, manufacturer, fleet and dealer services provided through two-way broadband connectivity to the vehicle. HUGHES Telematics and Polaris Acquisition Corp (Amex: TKP) have agreed to an all stock merger which, upon satisfaction of certain closing conditions, will result in HUGHES Telematics stockholders and management becoming the controlling stockholders and management of Polaris.
Scott Merritt, Office: +1-770-649-0880, Ext. 302, Mobile: +1-770-778-4786, smerritt@brandwaregroup.com, for HUGHES Telematics
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