ATLANTA, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
SOURCE HUGHES Telematics
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