Audiovox Launches New 'Distracted Driver' Safety Solutions for the Aftermarket

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- International CES, Center Hall, Booth 10406-10418 -- Audiovox Corporation (Nasdaq: VOXX) today announced that it is expanding its focus on mobile safety to include solutions for distracted driving, which is becoming epidemic throughout the country. This new system has been developed for the automotive aftermarket where Audiovox is already an industry leader in entertainment, security and more recently safety. It is an expansion of their collision avoidance camera and sensor programs that have been supplying the aftermarket for the last several years.  These new systems will give all consumers features currently only available on premium new cars.

Audiovox's technology partner in this product is Iteris, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ITI) a company that has been in this business since 1989 supplying lane departure technology to car and truck OEM's such as Nissan, Mitsubishi Fuso, and Freightliner as well as in Europe with DAF, Iveco, Scania, and others. Domestically, this technology has also been widely developed by Iteris in the heavy truck fleet market.

Tom Malone, president, Audiovox Electronics Corporation said, "Drivers really believe that they can drive, talk on the phone, text, eat, apply make up, all at the same time and the facts are proving them terribly wrong. Today, Driver Distraction is one of if not the biggest contributor to accidents. Audiovox sees entrance into this market as a logical expansion of our mobile safety products that include back up sensors and cameras for the aftermarket."

The driver assistance alert system has two major functions: unintended lane departure warning (LDW) and forward collision warning (FCW).  It will provide an audible warning to the driver if they cross over the lane markings without engaging their turn signal. It also warns the driver if they are following too close to the vehicle in front of them, or if their closing speed in relation to the car in front is likely to cause a collision.  It pays attention even when the driver doesn't!

The system uses advanced OEM grade "Machine Vision" technology that can identify the road lane markings as well as vehicles and stopped objects in your path. For FCW, it utilizes an on board computer that calculates the time-to-closing distance of objects in front of you. For LDW, the computer calculates the lane position of your vehicle in relation to the lane markings, or roadside edge if there are no markings.

Malone concluded, "Iteris is the logical company to partner with as we enter this exciting new market.  They have been supplying this technology to the passenger car and heavy truck markets for over a decade.  This particular system will bring advanced technology to any vehicle and provide consumers with a solution to this ever growing problem.  We may not be able to stop them from driving distracted but this product will help bring them back to focus on driving."

The system is expected to retail for approximately $599.99 and will be available in Q3 of 2011.

About Audiovox

Audiovox (Nasdaq: VOXX) is a recognized leader in the marketing of automotive entertainment, vehicle security and remote start systems, consumer electronics products and consumer electronics accessories. The company is number one in mobile video and places in the top ten of almost every category that it sells. Among the lines marketed by Audiovox are its mobile electronics products including mobile video systems, auto sound systems including satellite radio, vehicle security and remote start systems; consumer electronics products such as MP3 players, digital camcorders, DVRs, Internet radios, clock radios, portable DVD players, multimedia products like digital picture frames and home and portable stereos; consumer electronics accessories such as indoor/outdoor antennas, connectivity products, headphones, speakers, wireless solutions, remote controls, power & surge protectors and media cleaning & storage devices; Energizer®-branded products for rechargeable batteries and battery packs for camcorders, cordless phones, digital cameras and DVD players, as well as for power supply systems, automatic voltage regulators and surge protectors. The company markets its products through an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, 12-volt specialists, mass merchandisers and an OE sales group. The company markets products under the Audiovox, Advent, RCA, Jensen, Acoustic Research, Energizer, Code Alarm, Invision, Prestige, Schwaiger, SURFACE and Terk brands. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.audiovox.com.

About Iteris, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ITI)

Iteris, Inc. is a leader in traffic management focused on the development and application of advanced technologies that reduce traffic congestion, minimize the environmental impact of traffic congestion, and improve the safety of surface transportation systems infrastructure. Combining outdoor image processing, traffic engineering, and information technology, Iteris offers a broad range of Intelligent Transportation Systems and driver safety solutions to customers worldwide. Iteris is headquartered in Santa Ana, California with offices throughout North America and in Europe and Asia. Investors are encouraged to contact us at 888-329-4483, or at www.iteris.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for historical information contained herein, statements made in this release that would constitute forward-looking statements may involve certain risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on currently available information and the Company assumes no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statement. The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from the results suggested in the forward-looking statements. The factors include, but are not limited to, risks that may result from changes in the Company's business operations; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; significant competition in the mobile and consumer electronics businesses as well as the wireless business; our relationships with key suppliers and customers; quality and consumer acceptance of newly introduced products; market volatility; non-availability of product; excess inventory; price and product competition; new product introductions; the possibility that the review of our prior filings by the SEC may result in changes to our financial statements; and the possibility that stockholders or regulatory authorities may initiate proceedings against Audiovox and/or our officers and directors as a result of any restatements. Risk factors associated with our business, including some of the facts set forth herein, are detailed in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2010 and in its most recent quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

SOURCE Audiovox Corporation