Are the days of the roadside wait over?

Stan Beer
Thursday, 24 March 2005 09:30

IT Industry - Development

What is being described as breakthrough Australian technology innovation promises to bring security, driver assistance and passenger protection against car-jacking and road rage to car owners.

The CarCom anti-theft system, from local company Intelematics Australia, combines advanced in-vehicle telematics, satellite and mobile phone technologies with 24-hour security monitoring to deliver service far removed from the traditional auto clubs.

Ironically, it is the traditional auto clubs which are behind the new service. Intelematics Australia is a Melbourne-based joint venture company of NRMA Member Services and the RACV.

Adam Game, Intelematics Australia's chief executive, said the new CarCom release includes critical passenger safety services that provide help in real world situations.

He says, "CarCom addresses many of the safety and security risks associated with motoring today including vehicle theft, car-jacking and road rage, providing owners with peace-of-mind in any motoring situation. At the touch of a button passengers can be immediately connected to emergency assistance via a two-way voice and data link, a critical step towards helping reduce the response time of Police and Ambulance services."

The 2005 release of CarCom follows two years of intensive research and development, and more than a $10 million investment.

Features include the ability to locate, track and assist with the recovery of stolen
vehicles to remotely immobilise a stolen vehicle under police supervision. In addition, CarCom enables passengers to use in-vehicle GSM mobile phone technology, including one-touch SOS emergency assistance function to connect with emergency service operators. In emergency situations, the system also transmits an SMS data message pinpointing the vehicle's exact location on digital mapping systems.

For owners who accidentally lock their keys inside their vehicle or for those who never open the bonnet to check the battery, CarCom's remote unlock feature enables owners to retrieve their keys without needing to call roadside assistance for help. CarCom also alerts owners if their battery is running low and can connect drivers to roadside assistance providers following vehicle malfunction or break down.

A one year subscription to CarCom is a very reasonable $350.00 including 24-hour security monitoring, assistance and customer support. The sting in the tail, however, is the initial service charge of $1,895.00 for the in-vehicle hardware components.