Lavelle expects his new navigation products to be one of the highlights of 2001. "We are entering the navigation market with a serious line up of products, high-quality sophisticated systems with a variety of options and features. We will have a voice-only system that calls out directions as you drive, as well as systems that can place live traffic information on a screen and can navigate you around traffic jams. Navigation is the next logical step for our Mobile Electronics group as we begin to develop more digital products that combine information and entertainment. We have every confidence that our new navigation line will meet with the same success that has marked all our mobile electronics lines," he says.

Lavelle points out that three years ago, Audiovox entered the mobile video aftermarket and by the end of 1999 had grown that business into a 33 percent market share. "Mobile Video," he notes, "continues to be one of the fastest growing product lines in our company's history, and in 2000, that category grew by 41 percent. Mobile DVD will lead the way for us in 2001 with a variety of applications designed to work with our overhead systems and seatback installations."

In addition to new aftermarket products this year, the emphasis will also be on OE programs like the recently announced FORD contract to manufacture an OE version of Audiovox's mobile video overhead console for inclusion in Eddie Bauer models of the 2001 Ford Expedition.

In addition to the Navigation and Mobile Video offerings, the company's Prestige line of autosound will have over a dozen new products, featuring CD and separates. Rampage by Audiovox, the promotional line of autosound, will have a variety of new CD radios and amps and undergo a packaging face-lift this year. In the auto security category, Audiovox will add to its already broad line, a confirming transmitter system that has over 16 functions. It will be one of the most sophisticated products in its category on the market today.

Lavelle says that the diversification that the company made several years ago into consumer electronics products continues to be a great success. This product group grew 61 percent in 2000, making it the largest growth category last year. New for 2001 will be DVD. "DVD has everyone excited around here," he notes. "It is such a versatile medium, it can be used in a car, on a boat or at home. Besides our mobile systems, we have a number of hot new handheld portable models with and without screens. DVD will also be included on a number of home audio shelf systems. Adding to the video offerings will be our new 6.4-inch Color TV Under-Cabinet System with AM/FM Stereo, and three all new flat screen TV's."

"Included in our consumer electronics group are FRS two-way radios, another diversification where Audiovox has made a big splash since its entree into the business a few years ago. Our 500 Series continue to be best sellers. For 2001 we have added features to them that are sure to generate a positive response. Weather Alert, FM, a 5-mile GMRS unit with built-in GPS, even two base stations will be part of the new line."

"It's about branding" Lavelle says. "We are into the second year of a consumer awareness and brand building advertising and public relations campaign entitled, ‘I Want One’-which is what we hear consumers say most when they see our new products. This campaign is designed to support our diversification into consumer electronics." He further states, "All of the marketing elements are in place. We will have retailer-friendly programs, exciting products and packaging, and strong customer service. We understand the nuances of the marketplace and we are ready to go."

In other Audiovox Electronics Corporation news, the company raised the curtain on a new line of Prestige series autosound products include radios, speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers at the 2001 Winter Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. The announcement was made by Tom Malone, senior vice president. "These 14 new products," says Malone, "reflect how tightly focused Audiovox is on the mobile audiophile. The new offerings in our radio line is our response to increased consumer preference for CD products and high-tech features. In the separates category, we will add a Class D Mono Block amplifier to our already impressive amplifier line and two high performance subwoofers. A number of our speakers have been redesigned and include a revolutionary new grille design, pewter gray cones and new protective tweeter lens."

Two of the Prestige radios feature new vacuum fluorescent displays that look great in any dash. The P-975 is a high-powered AM/FM ETR radio with CD player and CD changer controller and wireless remote. It features a black-out panel with hidden controls and multi-color vacuum fluorescent display, The P-950 AM/FM ETR radio with CD player, CD changer controller, high power 4 x 40 watt amplifier and wireless remote features a fold-down detachable face and multi-color vacuum fluorescent display.

Also being introduced is the P-98 detachable face AM-FM ETR with CD player and built-in 160-watt amplifier. It has 18 station presets (12FM/6AM) with electronic memory, a multi-function power meter display, full-feature CD player, RCA low level outputs and includes a hard plastic carrying case for the detachable face.

The P-98 combines dynamic graphics with high performance and is, in Malone's words, "the highest-quality, finest-looking head unit ever produced by Audiovox. You really have to see it lit up to appreciate the beautiful cosmetics; its high-intensity blue LEDs back-light the operational buttons for a most dramatic affect. What's more, the P-98 looks and performs better than many other radios selling for considerably more," he says.

Other new radios include the P-153 1.5 DIN fold-down detachable face, 4 x 40-watt AM/FM/ETR with CD player, auto-reverse cassette and CD changer controller; the P-945 detachable face, 4 x 35-watt AM/FM/ETR with CD player and CD changer controller; the P-955 fold-down detachable face, 4 x 40-watt AM/FM/ETR with CD player and CD changer controller; and the P-942 detachable face, 4 x 25-watt AM/FM/ETR with CD player.

"With the introduction of the PAB-1500D and the PSPL-10 and 12 subwoofers," notes Malone, "Audiovox has initiated delivery of high powered, high performance products that epitomize the Sound Pressure Level Competition market; a market that dealers find very lucrative. And, because our Prestige products have already built a strong reputation with those 12-volt dealers, we believe that the PAB-1500D amplifier and the new subwoofers will be met with a very positive response on both the dealer and the consumer level."

The Prestige-brand Class D Mono-Block Amplifier features selectable bass boost, and two high-performance subwoofers with 500 watts RMS at 2 ohms, and can deliver +18dB bass boost at 60Hz the ideal frequency for Sound Pressure Level Competition enthusiasts. The PAB-1500D also includes a remote sub-level control. "This control," says Malone, "can be placed under the dashboard within easy reach of the driver, and allows him or her to conveniently achieve optimum gain control without leaving the car." The amplifier also offers thermal, overload, and DC offset, reverse polarity and short circuit protection. The PAB-1500D has been designed to drive the two new Audiovox subwoofers, PSPL-10 and PSPL-12. Both feature large strontium magnets and oversized 2-inch compressed foam surrounds. Their polished chrome aluminum cast baskets are dynamic in any interior.

Malone says that Audiovox believes the way to continue to grow market share in car audio is to give the dealer a product he can be proud to sell, a product that delivers consistently high performance combined with great new looks. "All of the new Prestige autosound products for year 2001 illustrate how tightly focused Audiovox is on its Prestige customer base. We believe we are bringing our 12-volt specialists a line of high-quality products that their customers will find appealing. We support these products with aggressive pricing, strong warranties and sales-enhancing programs, and we will continue to be aggressive in pricing and programs to our retailers," he concludes.

Audiovox Electronics Corporation also introduced its new line of Prestige auto security systems, "Which," says Tom Malone, "is designed to have something for everyone and gives our 12-volt retailers a wide variety of security products to offer their customers. Our nine new Prestige security systems offer a broad selection of features, are all cosmetically appealing and feature the latest technology. We believe it is the broadest line in the industry. Ranging from basic protection and convenience such as starter disable and keyless entry, to sophisticated code hopping, and remote start, right up to our latest confirming transmitter systems."

Malone further states, "The landscape of the security industry is changing. The last couple of years have been marked by consolidations among manufacturers as well as reductions in lines and sku's. Audiovox, on the other hand, has stayed focused on vehicle security and has continued to employ the latest technology in our systems….and that is how we remain leaders in this market."

Malone gives as an example the new APS-975 Prestige Confirming Remote Starter and Alarm. At first glance, this product looks like what could be the world's smallest cellular phone. But it's not. This is a high-technology security system packaged in a flip-up transmitter with LCD back-lighting and a two-way remote transceiver. The system is driven by Superheterodyne FM modulated technology, giving it a range of 1,500 feet. "And," emphasizes Malone, "that's 1,500 feet of remote starting capability along with a confirming signal back to the driver that the car has started." The driver receives starting confirmation through a display of animated icons that light up showing that the car has started. Malone points out that the primary icon, a side-view silhouette of a car, actually shows the wheels in motion to confirm that the care has started. "The driver is given easy-to-understand graphics with these icons and they're fun to watch," he says. Other icons indicate a paging system that alerts the driver to a break-in (up to 1,500 feet), a panic feature, trunk open, door lock/unlock and battery life status. There are two additional icon "windows" for optional features such as garage door opener and power window roll-up.

The company is also introducing two 'City Tough' systems, APS-800 with 4-mode shock sensor and APS-875 with 4-mode shock sensor and extended range remote start. Both products will feature new carbon fiber transmitters which, Malone says, "Gives them a ‘leathery’ designer look. We have always believed the transmitters are intrinsic to the sale. After all, the transmitter is all the user ever sees so you have to make your design and style statement there." Malone recalled the kidney bean style transmitter that Audiovox introduced into the market. "The Audiovox kidney bean transmitter started the 'revolution' of unique-looking transmitters. Until we introduced the kidney bean transmitter, there were only dull, black rectangular models. We started the trend to 'designer-style' transmitters and everyone else followed."

All of the other new models feature new icon-based transmitters, which show a graphic (icon) symbol for specific functions such as lock, unlock, etc. With this format, the customer can see at a glance what function he is about to activate. In addition, several of the new systems provide the consumer with the option of configuring the buttons with a series of interchangeable keypads. "With the icon based system," says Malone, "the consumer no longer has to memorize the amount of chirps and what they mean. You see the symbol, you press the button, that's it," he says.

The new models are the APS-685 and APS-785 with remote start capability, plus the APS-610, APS-510, APS-410, APS-255 and APS-155. Two basic units, the new APS-15KB and APS-25KB, have maximum protection features and easy operation. The APS-685 with remote start and keyless entry and the APS-785 full package remote start and security system both feature Superheterodyne technology and an on-glass antenna for a highly-extended range of up to 1,000 feet. Malone notes that remote start has evolved from a specialty system that was originally sold only in so-called Sun and Snow Belt areas. Now it is a convenience that enjoys national popularity.

Malone believes that tremendous variety is what will drive the sales of these new security systems. While they all offer security, personal safety and convenience features, each model has special standard and optional features and of course, price points. For example: APS-15KB has a shock sensor and parking light flasher while APS-25KB adds starter disable. APS-155 offers a 3-button icon transmitter with shock sensor and parking light flasher; APS-255 adds a 2-stage shock sensor and starter disable. Both APS-155 and APS-255 (as well as APS-410, 510 and 610) offer Audiovox's exclusive "Access Guard" two-stage unlock feature which allows the user to lock/unlock either the driver's door or all doors.

While the APS-410 and APS-510 each feature 4-button icon transmitters, with code hopping and 2-stage shock sensor, the APS-510 also features starter disable. The APS-610 includes on-board relays for interior illumination, remote trunk release and keyless entry on any vehicle.

"We are pleased about the introduction of these products," says Malone, "because it gives our 12-volt retailers a broad variety of security products to offer their customers. We are exceptionally pleased about our new confirming remote starter and alarm, because it puts Audiovox on a higher level of remote start technology. We have been in auto security from the beginning and we have pioneered security products that allow consumers to make specific selections based on their budgets and requirements. Over the years, they have come to learn that when they buy an Audiovox security product, they are getting a highly reliable system with designer-style transmitters that are user friendly. That is what has kept us in the forefront of this market and that is where we intend to remain."

"Audiovox's Rampage line of autosound is celebrating it's 4th anniversary with increased sales, new products and a new look," says Martin Novick, vice president of the company's Consumer Electronics Group. Novick says that during 2001 he plans to reinforce Rampage's image to his primary target audience, the young mass merchandiser customer. "We know that a big part of Rampage's success is its high-energy packaging and graphics, and its quality performance. This year we will continue to introduce Rampage products that reflect those very qualities and we plan a 'facelift' to the high style packaging that designate the line."

New Rampage products will include the ACD-83, ACD-84, ACD-85 and ACD-88. All are in dash CD players with 160-watt AM/FM radios with a variety of features.

The ACD-83 has a vacuum florescent display, a fold-down detachable panel, 30 presets (12AM/18FM), CD player, CD controller, and RCA line outs.

The ACD-84 features a slide-down panel, giving the user access to the CD player. It also has a vacuum florescent display, 30 presets (12AM/18FM), CD controller, and RCA line outs.

The ACD-85 has a 3-color vacuum florescent display, a fully electronic slide-down detachable panel, AM/FM with 30 presets and RCA line outs.

The ACD-88 features a 3-color vacuum florescent display, AM/FM with 30 presets and RCA line outs. This model also has a detachable mini-panel which, when removed from the radio, becomes a remote control. (It's smaller than a credit card.)

Novick concludes, "Rampage products have a new and young look from a company that knows the autosound business. Audiovox continues to deliver it's mass merchandiser customer base a line of economically-priced products with graphics and packaging, designed to give the younger buyer exactly what he or she wants: looks and performance. The new Rampage products we will be introducing this year reflect Audiovox's continued commitment to this customer base."

In some concluding Audiovox news, Audiovox Electronics Corporation's vice president Rick Montpetit says that the primary objective for the new year will be to have new car dealers focus on products other than the established auto sound and security lines. Montpetit says, "Sound and security have always been good for Audiovox and have helped establish us as leaders in the car dealer marketplace. Our products have a reputation for high quality and we are able to bring to the market a variety of strong sales-driven promotions."

Montpetit's game plan for 2001 is to broaden the product base beyond the radio category to include new CD Interface Cables. "These CD Interfaces," he points out, "are ideal because they really open the door for the dealer to sell step up products like CD changers regardless of whether the customer buys a factory radio or an Audiovox radio. If the car's radio has a CD changer control, our interface can link that radio to the CD changer without a dashboard-mounted Commander unit or an FM modulator, giving this dealer product a 'factory look and feel'".

Montpetit notes that CD would be in the car dealer spotlight more than ever this year. Audiovox will be introducing the SP-11CDS 10-disc changer and the SP-6CDS six-disc changer; both designed to work with all current and future interface cables.

"CD will be with us for a long time to come. And whether it's single play or multi-disc, it is fast becoming the car radio entertainment format of choice," he says.

Also scheduled for first quarter introduction is a new line of installer friendly cruise controls, designed for installation into a broader variety of vehicle models. These models feature a RF switch that transmits to a receiver behind the dash. It controls all cruise functions. This new RF switch style cruise reduces the dealer's labor costs and allows him to offer his customers a flexible, problem-free product.

Finally, Montpetit points with pride to the new Audiovox Reverse Obstacle Sensing System (ROSS). With the large number of SUV's and vans being sold to families today, this product is a natural safety feature that dealers should have no trouble moving their customers to purchase. Utilizing Doppler radar technology, ROSS is more efficient than other systems, and moisture and dirt do not affect performance.

ROSS activates when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. If there is an object behind the vehicle, the driver hears a audio signal "timed" to beep in a sequence based on the distance from the car to the object; the closer the object the more intense (faster) the beep. There are three LEDs on the back window so the driver sees a green light for an object that is at the most distant limit that progresses to a red light for the object at the closest limit.

Montpetit says, "We have a number of excellent products this year that we think the car dealer network will be excited to sell. The cosmetics are sharp, the products well designed, and we believe they will appeal to our dealers and their customers. With these new products, and the advent of satellite radio looming on the horizon, we feel that this could be one of our strongest years in the car dealer market."

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