CarLink's Smartphone App Controls Vehicle Security/Remote Start and Convenience Features

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- International CES, Center Hall, Booth 10406-10418 – Audiovox Corporation (Nasdaq: VOXX), has begun shipping its new and innovative CarLink smartphone interface module.  The system lets your smartphone communicate with your automobile from virtually anywhere.  The new CarLink system enables users to control remote start and keyless entry features with two-way notification and comes equipped with a find feature to locate automobiles in crowded parking areas.  The system connects through the Audiovox Telematics Data port found on over 90 percent of Audiovox branded security systems, including Code Alarm, Prestige and Pursuit.

"CarLink is our first smartphone interface that builds upon the heritage that has made us a market leader in remote start systems for years, providing both OEMs and the aftermarket with products and features that are in high demand by consumers," stated Tom Malone, president of Audiovox Electronics Corporation.  "Starting your vehicle, unlocking your doors or popping the trunk from virtually any distance, or finding your car in a large garage after a sporting event or a trip to the mall, is now as easy as the click of a button or the tap of your finger."

The CarLink module + app is easily downloadable on any iPhone, Android or Blackberry device and has virtually unlimited operating range.  In addition to working on Audiovox related products, the CarLink system can be accessed on any competitive remote-start product, provided the system has a negative external start trigger input so as to not lose certain functionalities.  Used with an Audiovox system, CarLink will provide 2-way confirmation displayed on your smartphone along with full status reports with real-time updates and notification alerts.  For example, CarLink will notify you when your car doors are open or when your system detects a vehicle door or shock sensor violation.  With the CarLink app, you can also add as many vehicles as you want to your account and easily navigate between each vehicle within the preference settings on your device.

CarLink systems are now available at retail, online and through dealers, for $249.00, which includes the first year of service with unlimited usage in the United States.  Every year thereafter, service is expected to be $29.99.  Subscribers activate their CarLink system after the hardware is installed and tested and will receive a link to download the software directly to their mobile device.  Even if users do not have a smartphone app, CarLink can still be accessed via the web, simply by logging on to www.voxcarlink.com from any browser.

Malone concluded, "Much of our R&D has been focused on assimilating wireless technologies into our product lines and leveraging the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones, to provide consumers with products they not only want, but need.  I believe 2011 and beyond will be no different, as we have several upgrades and new innovations planned for the mass market, as well as customized solutions for many of our OEM partners."

For more information on Audiovox's Mobile Entertainment product line, please visit www.mobile.audiovox.com.  

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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.

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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