HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) has announced the launch of its exciting new product with Ford Motor Company through a collaborative effort between Code Systems, Inc. and Ford's Custom Accessories Group.  Code Systems, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX, will be providing Ford Custom Accessories with a dealer-installed version of its remote start and keyless entry cell phone app and hardware. The Ford and Lincoln Access system will be available on select Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Commenting on today's announcement with Ford, Pat Lavelle, President and Chief Executive Officer of VOXX International stated, "Ford is just one of a few automotive manufacturers in the world to offer this kind of smartphone-based technology and the first to offer it as a dealer-installed accessory.  They are widely regarded as an automotive innovator and leader, and we are pleased to continue to develop solutions that meet their needs, as well as those of their consumers.  VOXX has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Ford, having served as their vehicle security supplier for almost 25 years and their remote start supplier since 2000, and it's our goal to continue to develop new and innovative automotive products for our OE partners, like Ford, for years to come." 

The new Ford and Lincoln Remote Access application for smartphones (iPhone® or Android™) can be used from any location with a Wi-Fi or cellular signal - virtually anywhere in the world. This dealer-installed Genuine Ford Accessory turns your smartphone device into a virtual key fob.  Using the Remote Access application gives customers a whole new way to perform basic vehicle functions.  With the Remote Access app, you can lock, unlock and even start your vehicle from across the parking lot, or across the country. You can even use the 'Find' feature to flash the lights and honk the horn if, perhaps, you don't remember exactly where you parked your vehicle.  The app is easy to download and the system features in-vehicle electronic components that integrate seamlessly with Ford's CAN-based electronic architecture. "This Genuine Ford Accessory is a plug-and-play kit that is easy to install and does not require any vehicle wire cutting, hence maintaining the quality of the vehicle electrical system," boasts Mouhanad Dahabra, a Ford Electrical Engineering Supervisor who worked on the program.

The Remote Access system, backed by a Ford Custom Accessories warranty, requires a $49.99 consumer-based service fee per year with unlimited usage.  Service fee payment and user account set-up is fast, easy and secure. Once the Remote Access account is set-up, your smartphone becomes a high-tech control device for keyless entry, remote start and anti-theft functionality.  For the system to work, the consumer needs to download and launch the Remote Access app and purchase dealer-installed, vehicle-specific components.  The app is connected to the Remote Access module using a secure log-in process that prevents unauthorized access to the user's vehicle. 

The Remote Access app can be loaded onto several different phones, which allows the user to give other family members "Access" to their vehicle.  The app is free at most application stores/markets - just search for Ford Remote Access or Lincoln Remote Access.  The user can also operate several other vehicles from the same app.  All vehicles must be equipped with the Remote Access module and each module must be activated by paying the $49.99 annual service fee.

Consumers can now purchase the Remote Access product directly at Ford and Lincoln Dealers, nationwide. Contact your local dealer for complete details and pricing information (including labor installation).

Remote Access application is available on the following models F-150, Super Duty®, Edge, Explorer and Lincoln MKX if your vehicle is a 2011 Model Year, or newer.  You can also purchase Remote Access if you drive a 2013 model year or newer Taurus, Flex, Lincoln MKS or Lincoln MKT.  More vehicles are being added, so inquire at your local Ford or Lincoln Dealer for details. 

About VOXX International Corporation
VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX) is the new name for Audiovox Corporation, a company that was formed over 45 years ago as Audiovox that has grown into a worldwide leader in many automotive and consumer electronics and accessories categories, as well as premium high-end audio.  Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, VOXX International proudly is recognized as the #1 premium loudspeaker company in the world, and has #1 market positions in automotive video entertainment and remote starts, digital TV tuners and digital antennas.  The Company's brands also hold #1 market share for TV remote controls and reception products and leading market positions across a wide-spectrum of other consumer and automotive segments.
 
Today, VOXX International is a global company….with an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists and most of the world's leading automotive manufacturers.  The company has an international footprint in Europe, Asia, Mexico and South America, and a growing portfolio, which now comprises over 30 trusted brands. Among the key domestic brands are Klipsch®, RCA®, Invision®, Jensen®, Audiovox®, Terk®, Acoustic Research®, Advent®, Code Alarm®, CarLink®, Excalibur® and Prestige®.  International brands include Hirschmann Car Communication®, Klipsch®, Jamo®, Energy®, Mirage®, Mac Audio®, Magnat®, Heco®, Schwaiger®, Oehlbach® and Incaar™.  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.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.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 automotive, premium audio and consumer accessories businesses; 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; foreign currency fluctuations and concerns regarding the European debt crisis; restrictive debt covenants; 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 29, 2012.

SOURCE VOXX International Corporation