Magellan and Ameraan to Develop Satellite Engine Monitoring System
22 April 1999
Magellan and Ameraan to Develop Satellite-Based Engine Monitoring System for Consumer and Commercial Automotive Markets
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--April 22, 1999--Magellan Corporation, a satellite access and communications subsidiary of Orbital Sciences Corporation , and the American Automotive Aftermarket Network (Ameraan), the nation's leading supplier of tire road hazard and automotive warranties, today announced an agreement to develop a satellite-based engine monitoring system for automotive consumers, fleet operators and other commercial automotive markets.The integrated system will monitor key engine components by linking Magellan's new OM200 satellite modem to an OBDII interface "black box" developed by Ameraan, and to the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic system. In operation, the system will transmit performance and driveability information via the ORBCOMM low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to the Ameraan control center, where automotive technicians will analyze potential problems and communicate recommendations to customers.
Ameraan Chairman and CEO William R. Jones explained, "The development of a space-based engine monitoring system represents a significant step forward for Ameraan's automotive service. By transmitting engine diagnostics to our team of trained automotive experts utilizing Magellan's satellite communications technology, we can inform the driver of problems before they happen, saving customers time and money. Ameraan is delighted to be working with a company that offers such unrivaled technological capabilities."
Jones added that the monitoring system's Global Positioning System (GPS) component enables Ameraan to provide additional value-added benefits, such as a 24-hour, toll-free service that will provide customers with the closest authorized service center based on their real-time GPS position. Packaged with Ameraan's "Worry Free" Travel Protection Card, the monitoring system will be sold through the company's nationwide network of over 20,000 service outlets.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Magellan to extend the reach of our satellite access products inside consumer and commercial vehicles. Already a leading provider of advanced vehicle navigation systems, Magellan looks forward to working with Ameraan on the development of products and services for the automotive service market," said Magellan President and CEO John Huyett.
In addition to the relationship with Ameraan, Magellan's Wireless Communications Business Unit also recently announced an agreement with Maryland-based ARINC for the delivery of Magellan's OM200 OEM Board for monitoring and tracking dry trailers using the ORBCOMM service.
Through ORBCOMM's constellation of small, low-Earth-orbit satellites, users can send and receive digital messages to and from anywhere in the world for a very low cost. Unlike traditional landline, cellular or paging systems, the ORBCOMM satellite network facilitates communication to and from isolated parts of the world where conventional systems do not reach.
"This agreement between Ameraan and Magellan is proof yet again that the ORBCOMM service is a viable communications solution for a variety of consumer and commercial markets. With Magellan's technological expertise and ORBCOMM's reliable, low-cost communications network, Ameraan will extend its reach and provide immediate benefit to its customers," according to ORBCOMM's Chairman and CEO Scott Webster.
About ORBCOMM
ORBCOMM, a partnership between Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, VA, and Teleglobe Inc. of Canada, is the world's first commercial low-Earth-orbit, satellite-based messaging and data communications service. Through a constellation of small satellites, customers can send and receive short, economical digital messages similar to two-way paging or e-mail. Applications of the ORBCOMM service include person-to-person messaging, automotive and maritime communications, remote industrial asset monitoring and control, vehicle and freight tracking, and emergency rescue.
For more information visit the company's Web site at www.orbcomm.com.
About Ameraan
The Colorado-based American Automotive Aftermarket Network (Ameraan Inc.) is North America's leading provider of tire road hazard, automotive and extended vehicle service contracts and credit card services. The company serves the most recognized names in the automotive aftermarket, with a growing nationwide network of over 20,000 service outlets.
For more information visit the company's Web site at www.ameraan.com.
About Magellan Corporation
Magellan Corporation is a leader in information technologies for worldwide positioning, navigation, timing, communication and guidance. Currently the company employs over 500 people and has revenues in excess of $100 million.
Magellan's Wireless Communications business unit develops and markets advanced communications devices such as the OM200 satellite modem and the GSC 100 hand-held global satellite communicator.
Headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, Magellan also has product development centers in San Dimas, CA, and Rochester Hills, MI; and a technology research and development center in Moscow, Russia. For more information visit the company's Web site at www.magellangps.com.
