HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  Audiovox Electronics Corporation (AEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corp.  (NASDAQ: VOXX), announced today that the company's brand new Car Connection™ Telematics device is now available at retail outlets nationwide. Car Connection lets the consumer Monitor, Manage, and Maintain their vehicle's health, driving habits, location, and through optional ZoomSafer technology, even restrict cell phone usage while driving.  Car Connection will utilize the Sprint wireless network in the U.S.A and the real-time monitoring capability will go through OmniLink. Full roll out at retailers nationwide will be during Q4, 2012.

"Car Connection is one of the most exciting products we have brought to market in some time.  As our tag line says, it will allow consumers to Monitor, Manage and Maintain their vehicles health; the habits of the drivers…knowing how fast or aggressively your teenage son is driving or whether your daughter is using her cell phone while driving or where your aging parent has wandered off to with the family car," said Tom Malone, President of Audiovox Electronics.

Car Connection utilizes an innovative user interface accessible from your laptop, tablet or smart phone that allows you to monitor driving habits and vehicle location using Safety Zones (Geo-fences), stolen vehicle recovery, and even find your way back to your vehicle in a crowded parking lot with Car Connection's built-in Lot Spot™ feature. 

An online account with Omnilink is required to activate all the Car Connection features. Two services plan options: 1) $9.95 per month + $19.95 one- time activation fee or 2) $89.95 per year (over $25 savings) + $19.95 one device activation fee provide consumers with the flexibility to select the package that best suits their needs. 

Car Connection allows consumers to print out vehicle diagnostic reports to bring to their mechanic; lets you monitor fuel economy and can even assist in the coaching of young or elderly drivers. One of the key features of the product is its ability, through optional activation of the ZoomSafer software, to manage the driver's cell phone use even eliminating the ability to text while driving.

Car Connection also includes driver scoring and the company plans to announce partnerships with auto insurance carriers for future Usage Based Insurance (UBI) programs this coming year.    

Car Connection is a small module that fits in the palm of your hand and plugs in under the dash in the OBDII port available on all cars post 1996.  It requires no installation and retails at $169.99

Audiovox has partnered with Agnik, Omnilink, and Sprint for this program. Agnik will be supplying the vehicle analytic data that resides in the module; Omnilink will provide the online interface and Sprint the wireless access.

"Sprint is excited to be working with Audiovox and this announcement underscores our commitment to making transportation safer and more efficient," said Wayne Ward, vice president-Emerging Solutions Group, Sprint. "We have a dedicated team that fast tracks M2M solutions to market. So far, Sprint has certified hundreds of M2M solutions and has millions of devices running on its network today. Sprint is committed to making transportation safer through our dependable and continually improving network."

Malone concluded, "Today's technology allows us to take our responsibility for caring for our families…whether old or young, to a whole new level giving us the ability to monitor and manage the family vehicle like never before."

Car Connection Key Features:

• Driver Scoring Monitor driver habits. Great for coaching new or aging drivers.
• Fuel Savings Monitor daily driving habits and generate reports. Gives fuel savings tips.
• Vehicle Location Know where your vehicle is, or where it is heading. Track online or form a smartphone in real-time. Notifies you if your vehicle has been moved or towed.
• Restrict Phone Usage Smartphone app for Android and Blackberry to limit control of the phone while driving.
• Safety Zones Know where and when your teen or aging driver travels. Set boundaries and receive notifications and alerts when a boundary is breached.
• Vehicle Health Know what your mechanic knows before you go for  a service.
• LotSpot Guides you back to your car no matter where you are.

The Audiovox brand is marketed by Audiovox Electronics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corp. (NASDAQ: VOXX).

For information on becoming an Audiovox dealer in the US, email us at: newaccounts@audiovox.com

For more information about Car Connection by Audiovox please visit: http://www.mycar-connection.com

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About Audiovox Electronics Corporation (AEC):

Audiovox Electronics Corporation (AEC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX), a leading, global supplier of mobile and consumer electronics products.  The Company holds number one market share in rear seat entertainment as well as remote start systems. AEC is also a recognized leader in the marketing of automotive entertainment, Location Based Services (LBS), rear observation systems, and vehicle security.  Its' extensive distribution network includes power retailers and 12-volt specialists as well as nearly all of the major vehicle manufacturers ("OEMs"), both domestically and abroad.

Audiovox Electronics possesses a strong brand portfolio and its products ranks among the top ten in almost every category in which they sell.  Primary brands include Audiovox®, Invision®, Jensen®, Omega®, Advent®, Code Alarm®, Prestige® and Excalibur®.

Headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, Audiovox Electronics has a manufacturing facility in the United States, and a robust international footprint with offices in Europe, Canada, Mexico and Venezuela.  For additional information, please visit our Web site at www.audiovoxproducts.com.

About VOXX International Corporation:

VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX).  The Company that began as Audiovox over 45 years ago has morphed into a worldwide leader in many automotive and consumer electronics and accessories categories, and now into premium high-end audio.  The Company's brands hold leading market positions across a wide-spectrum of consumer and automotive segments.

Today, VOXX International is a global company….with an extensive distribution network that includes some of the world's Fortune 500 companies and an international footprint in Europe, Asia, Mexico and South America, and a growing brand portfolio, which is now comprised of over 30 trusted brands including Audiovox®, Klipsch®, RCA®,Invision®, Jensen®, Acoustic Research®, Jamo®, Energy®, Mac Audio®, Magnat®, Heco®, Schwaiger®, Hirschmann® and Oehlbach®.  The Company continues to drive innovation throughout all of its subsidiaries, and maintains its commitment to exceeding the needs of the consumers it serves.  For additional information, please visit our Web site at www.voxxintl.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 accessories 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 VOXX International Corporation 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, 2011.

Audiovox Contacts:
Jeremy Stoehr                                                                      
Phone: 1-631-436-6371                                        
Email: jstoehr@audiovox.com                           

SOURCE VOXX International Corporation