Pioneer Now Working with LoJack
Pioneer Electronics USA Inc. introduced a new connected services solution called rDrive at CES 2019 this week in Las Vegas. rDrive is the result of a partnership with CalAmp, owner of the LoJack brand, signaling Pioneer’s entrance into consumer vehicle telematics. rDrive is designed to make connectivity, safety, Wi-Fi and location-based services possible for most U.S. vehicles on the road.
Combining a cloud-based services platform, an intuitive and informative smartphone application and a vehicle-installed LTE wireless network connection, rDrive provides consumers a path to upgrade existing vehicles to include many of the connectivity features that until now were primarily obtained by purchasing a new vehicle, according to Pioneer.
rDrive includes a suite of connected services including LoJack Stolen Vehicle Location Assist, TripWire Early Warning, CrashBoxx crash detection with incident reporting, vehicle arrival/departure notifications, LoJack Command Center live agent support for emergency services, and more. It can also assist with teen/senior driver monitoring, vehicle health diagnostic alerts, and business/personal drive logging, according to the company.
“rDrive continues our initiative to provide consumers the ability to upgrade their existing vehicles with the latest driver assistance and infotainment technologies. The CalAmp partnership and the exceptional quality of their vehicle safety and security solutions is what distinguishes rDrive from similar products,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for Pioneer Electronics USA Inc. “Additionally, the ability to add LoJack Stolen Vehicle Location Assist, available for the first time through aftermarket retailers, to practically any car is an exciting and valuable benefit for the end consumer.”
rDrive will initially consist of the rDrive mobile application-available for both iPhone and Android devices-and a small network-connected device that plugs into the vehicle’s Onboard Diagnostics (OBD-II) port. The device can be plugged directly into the vehicle’s OBD-II port or connected via an extension cable, and installed securely inside the vehicle’s dash.
Pioneer recommends installation and activation of the rDrive device be conducted by an authorized Pioneer dealer.
Two rDrive enabled devices, with and without in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot capability, will be available. Existing AT&T customers may be able to add the device to their existing wireless services plan, according to Pioneer.
“CalAmp is pleased to be partnering with Pioneer, a trusted consumer brand and a leader in automotive electronics technology,” said Michael Burdiek, president and CEO of CalAmp. “With Pioneer’s rDrive, we’re excited to bring LoJack to millions of people who want access to the safety and security services we offer.”
