By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 11/24/2008
Vista, Calif. — Directed Electronics, which caused a stir among retailers with a new Internet sales test for Viper security products, said it is now surveying retailers to determine if it will continue the program.
In late October, Directed launched a Website selling Viper security products direct to consumers at a fixed price, including installation.
Under the plan, Viper retailers would install the products, with some profit shared with them but at an installation fee determined by Directed. This caused a stir among retailers, who say the price of a professional installation can vary markedly by the car and other factors. It resulted in a petition signed by more than 50 specialists, according to Mitch Schaffer, president of Mobile Edge, Lehighon Penn. who initiated the petition.
The Viper news also resulted in an 18 page thread on 12voltinsider.com with many complaints from retailers.
Directed told TWICE, that the company is not changing its policy of “installed sales of Viper only by authorized dealers” and claimed the program was a test aimed at delivering more store traffic to retailers who would be compensated. President of Directed Electronics, Mike Simmons said, “We concluded our first phase of testing, and are currently surveying our dealers to see if they want us to continue this model or test different alternatives moving forward.”
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Responder One is Now Shipping from Directed Electronics
Winner of the 2009 CES Innovations Award: Long-Range 2-Way Single-Button Remote Start Systems from Viper, Python and CliffordVISTA, Calif., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Directed Electronics, a business unit of DEI Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: DEIX - News), is pleased to announce the immediate availability of Responder® One 2-Way remote start systems, now shipping to authorized Viper, Python and Clifford retailers worldwide.
·
RESPONDER ONE FROM DIRECTED ELECTRONICS
Remote Start lets users start their vehicle by remote control. They simply push the button on the Responder One remote to pre-warm their vehicle in the winter, or pre-cool it in the summer. And because Responder One is a 2-Way remote, it confirms the car has started with a flashing LED and audible tone.
Even though Responder One is Directed's smallest 2-Way remote ever, it can start the user's vehicle from up to 2,000 feet away. Because the Responder One remote is so small and slim, it is ideal for adding the convenience of remote start to virtually any vehicle, including new vehicles featuring a combined key-in-the-remote.
Responder One systems each come with dual Responder One remotes. With an MSRP of just $299, Responder One systems make 2-Way remote start affordable -- just in time for winter
·
RESPONDER ONE FROM DIRECTED ELECTRONICS
Remote Start lets users start their vehicle by remote control. They simply push the button on the Responder One remote to pre-warm their vehicle in the winter, or pre-cool it in the summer. And because Responder One is a 2-Way remote, it confirms the car has started with a flashing LED and audible tone.
Even though Responder One is Directed's smallest 2-Way remote ever, it can start the user's vehicle from up to 2,000 feet away. Because the Responder One remote is so small and slim, it is ideal for adding the convenience of remote start to virtually any vehicle, including new vehicles featuring a combined key-in-the-remote.
Responder One systems each come with dual Responder One remotes. With an MSRP of just $299, Responder One systems make 2-Way remote start affordable -- just in time for winter
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Anti-Idling Law Passed in Westchester County
WHITE PLAINS - Westchester County lawmakers last night made it illegal for drivers to keep their vehicles running for three minutes or more while parked.
The goal is to reduce dangerous emissions like carbon dioxide that contribute to Westchester's poor air quality and to global warming, said Thomas Abinanti, D-Greenburgh, the bill's sponsor.
OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1');
"Climate change is the defining issue of the 21st century," Abinanti said. "We can do our part by not adding to the problem.
"Idling uses more gas and is worse for vehicles than turning your car off. Most idling is not only wasteful, but unnecessary."
Violators could be fined up to $250.
At last night's public hearing, speakers supported the measure - some speakers even said efforts to clean the air needed to be stronger and have a clear education component.
"Emission controls are an extremely important part of reducing the carbon footprint," said Charles Davey, a member of the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Committee. "An idling law is much needed in Westchester."
The bill, which is expected to be signed by County Executive Andrew Spano, broadens an existing anti-idling ban that prohibits diesel vehicles like trucks and buses from running while parked.
This law also shifts enforcement responsibility to county and local police - it had been under the auspices of the Health Department and largely unenforced, lawmakers said.
The American Lung Association, which this year gave Westchester's air quality mostly poor and a failing grades, has expressed its support for the idling ban on the grounds that too many residents are exposed to dirty air.
The goal is to reduce dangerous emissions like carbon dioxide that contribute to Westchester's poor air quality and to global warming, said Thomas Abinanti, D-Greenburgh, the bill's sponsor.
OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1');
"Climate change is the defining issue of the 21st century," Abinanti said. "We can do our part by not adding to the problem.
"Idling uses more gas and is worse for vehicles than turning your car off. Most idling is not only wasteful, but unnecessary."
Violators could be fined up to $250.
At last night's public hearing, speakers supported the measure - some speakers even said efforts to clean the air needed to be stronger and have a clear education component.
"Emission controls are an extremely important part of reducing the carbon footprint," said Charles Davey, a member of the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Committee. "An idling law is much needed in Westchester."
The bill, which is expected to be signed by County Executive Andrew Spano, broadens an existing anti-idling ban that prohibits diesel vehicles like trucks and buses from running while parked.
This law also shifts enforcement responsibility to county and local police - it had been under the auspices of the Health Department and largely unenforced, lawmakers said.
The American Lung Association, which this year gave Westchester's air quality mostly poor and a failing grades, has expressed its support for the idling ban on the grounds that too many residents are exposed to dirty air.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Directed Electronics sells Precision Power Audio Line to Epsilon Electronics
Directed Electronics has announced that effective November 7, 2008 it is transitioning out of the Precision Power Car Audio brand product line and will focus on offering the Orion Car Audio line along with it's other vehicle security and remote start products.
Effective November 7th, 2009, Directed Electronics has sold all branding rights and inventory of the Precision Power line to Epsilon Electronics, Inc. As of that date, the Precision Power line will no longer be supplied by Directed, but will continue to be available from Epsilon Electronics Inc. All inquiries related to the Precision Power line should be directed to Epsilon Electronics Inc 1550 S. Maple Avenue Montebello, CA 90640 USA, phone (323) 722-3333, http://www.poweracoustik.com/.
Directed Electronics will continue to process warranty service for qualified product that was purchased from DEI in accordance to the company's warranty policy. Feel free to reach out to me with any quesions regarding the transition of the Precision Power Audio Line.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Directed Electronics to exit Satellite Radio Business
- Focus to return exclusively to security and entertainment products
- Company expects exit to result in recovery of working capital, reduction of debt, and increased gross margins
VISTA, Calif., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Directed Electronics, an operating unit of DEI Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: DEIX), today announced that it has entered into an agreement with SIRIUS XM Radio outlining key terms for winding down their business together by January 31, 2009, the expiration date of the current distribution agreement.
Jim Minarik, DEI Holdings' President and CEO stated, "We became the primary retail distribution partner for what was then SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO in 2004, and are proud of the results we have achieved by growing SIRIUS' satellite radio retail share from approximately 20% to over 60% during the past four years. However, based on the large working capital commitment required for this business, as well as a strategic decision on our part to focus on our core security and entertainment businesses, we will not be extending our current agreement with SIRIUS XM when it expires on January 31, 2009. We have enjoyed an excellent partnership with SIRIUS over the past four years and expect to continue working closely with them to ensure the smoothest possible transition to their new distribution partner between now and early 2009."
The agreement specifies that SIRIUS or its new distribution partner will purchase substantially all remaining satellite radio receiver inventory from Directed in the first quarter of 2009 and assume full responsibility for all product returns and warranty costs after January 31, 2009, regardless of when the product was sold.
Mike Simmons, President of Directed Electronics said, "While our role as SIRIUS' primary retail partner over the past four years has benefited Directed, it has also diluted our team's focus on our core security and entertainment businesses, sold principally under our Viper, Python, Clifford, and Orion brand names. Going forward, we are excited to be able to once again dedicate 100% of our attention to improving the experience, service, and innovation we deliver to our customers."
Kevin Duffy, DEI Holdings', CFO commented, "Exiting the satellite radio business will allow us to focus on our core categories and also increase our ability to pay down debt by recovering the $20 to $25 million of working capital we have committed to this business."
About DEI Holdings
Headquartered in Southern California, DEI Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the consumer electronics industry. DEI Holdings is the largest designer and marketer in North America of premium home theater loudspeakers (sold under the Polk Audio(R) and Definitive Technology(R) brand names), and consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems (sold under Viper(R), Clifford(R), Python(R), Autostart(R) and other brand names). DEI Holdings is also a supplier of mobile audio sold principally under both the Polk Audio and Orion brand names. DEI Holdings markets its broad portfolio of products through many channels including leading national retailers and specialty chains throughout North America and around the world. Founded in 1982, the company has operations in California, Maryland, Canada, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.deiholdings.com/.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Responder LC3 2-Way Remote Start/Security Systems are Now Shipping from Directed Electronics
Vista, California (11-4-2008) – Directed Electronics, a business unit of DEI Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: DEIX), is pleased to announce the immediate availability of Responder LC3 2-Way vehicle remote start and security systems, now shipping to authorized Viper, Python and Clifford retailers worldwide.
Remote Start lets users start their vehicle with the push of a button on their keychain remote, to pre-warm it in the winter or pre-cool it in the summer. 2-Way remote start systems confirm that the vehicle has started, using icons on an LCD screen, or with flashing LEDs.
Responder LC3 is the innovative third generation of 2-Way LCD remotes from Directed Electronics, combining the best features of Responder ®SST, including range of up to one mile, with the many new technologies introduced with the award-winning Responder® LE platform. Responder LC3 also introduces several all new user-friendly features including:
Active Temp Check, which displays the vehicle cabin temperature on the LCD screen of the remote
Priority™ User Interface icons, mapped on a 20% Larger LCD Screen
Onboard lithium-ion rechargeable battery with a mini-USB charging port
Responder LC3 lets users command and monitor their vehicle like never before. It’s undeniably the slimmest and most sophisticated patent pending LCD remote available with range of up to one mile. With an MSRP of $649, and a street price as low as $549, Responder® LC3 systems come with one 2-Way LC3 remote, plus a companion 1-Way SST remote, also with range of up to one mile.
Responder LC3 systems from Viper®, Python® and Clifford® are just three of the 24 new remote start and security/remote start systems being introduced by Directed Electronics this fall and winter. For more information about Responder® LC3, Responder® HD, Responder® One, and other new remote start systems from Autostart® and Avital®, please visit http://www.directed.com/
Remote Start lets users start their vehicle with the push of a button on their keychain remote, to pre-warm it in the winter or pre-cool it in the summer. 2-Way remote start systems confirm that the vehicle has started, using icons on an LCD screen, or with flashing LEDs.
Responder LC3 is the innovative third generation of 2-Way LCD remotes from Directed Electronics, combining the best features of Responder ®SST, including range of up to one mile, with the many new technologies introduced with the award-winning Responder® LE platform. Responder LC3 also introduces several all new user-friendly features including:
Active Temp Check, which displays the vehicle cabin temperature on the LCD screen of the remote
Priority™ User Interface icons, mapped on a 20% Larger LCD Screen
Onboard lithium-ion rechargeable battery with a mini-USB charging port
Responder LC3 lets users command and monitor their vehicle like never before. It’s undeniably the slimmest and most sophisticated patent pending LCD remote available with range of up to one mile. With an MSRP of $649, and a street price as low as $549, Responder® LC3 systems come with one 2-Way LC3 remote, plus a companion 1-Way SST remote, also with range of up to one mile.
Responder LC3 systems from Viper®, Python® and Clifford® are just three of the 24 new remote start and security/remote start systems being introduced by Directed Electronics this fall and winter. For more information about Responder® LC3, Responder® HD, Responder® One, and other new remote start systems from Autostart® and Avital®, please visit http://www.directed.com/
Sunday, November 2, 2008
DIRECTED ELECTRONICS REDUCES REQUIREMENTS FOR WARRANTY!
This is huge, and great news for dealers who maybe haven't had very much great news recently. Dealers look out for a communication from Mike and Glenn for details, but here are some of the key points :
* We listened to our customers, and improved our Warranty process
* No more Proof of Purchase (POP) required for products on current price sheets
* Price sheets will be updated monthly on www.directeddealers.com removing End of Life (EOL) items
* Remotes are now covered with the same warranty coverage as security and convenience systems
* See letter for return terms for EOL items
* See the latest version of the Warranty Plus Service Program Guidebook (v. 3.1) for details, online at www.directeddealers.com
NEW PRICE SHEETS AND WARRANTY PLUS GUIDEBOOK WILL BE POSTED ON MONDAY AT WWW.DIRECTEDDEALERS.COM
* We listened to our customers, and improved our Warranty process
* No more Proof of Purchase (POP) required for products on current price sheets
* Price sheets will be updated monthly on www.directeddealers.com removing End of Life (EOL) items
* Remotes are now covered with the same warranty coverage as security and convenience systems
* See letter for return terms for EOL items
* See the latest version of the Warranty Plus Service Program Guidebook (v. 3.1) for details, online at www.directeddealers.com
NEW PRICE SHEETS AND WARRANTY PLUS GUIDEBOOK WILL BE POSTED ON MONDAY AT WWW.DIRECTEDDEALERS.COM
Get a Directed Jacket by Completing New Online Training at DirectedDealers.com
Online training: Season overview (LC3/HD/ONE/XPRESSKIT) Synergy dealers receive a free jacket for taking the training before 12/12 http://www.directedealers.com/ launches 10/31/08 .
I've received one of these new jackets (yes, I took the online training) and I can tell you 1st hand that the jacket is really nice. It's all black with a quilted lining and has the Directed Electronics logo embroidered on the left. It's the perfect jacket to wear at your shop this winter.
Be sure to take the online training right away, you'll learn about the new units shipping from Directed now (and some that will ship soon) and you will earn a great new work jacket!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
