HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LVCC, CENTRAL HALL BOOTH 10417 -- VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), announced today the future of remote starts with the introduction of CarLinkBT, a Bluetooth module and smartphone app that is compatible with most popular remote start systems.  When paired with our powerful smartphone app, CarLinkBT transforms your smartphone into a virtual transmitter, instantly giving you remote access to your vehicle and a direct connection to OE-style safety and convenience services delivering today's most complete safety, convenience and security solution.

"Remote start as we know it today has remained virtually unchanged for over 20 years, providing users with a simple and convenient way to preheat or cool their vehicle with the use of a transmitter.  But what if your transmitter was locked in your car, lost, damaged or had a dead battery leaving you with no way into your vehicle?  With the introduction of CarLinkBT we have reinvented what remote start systems can now do," said Tom Malone, President of VOXX Electronics Corporation.  "For a one-time fee of $7.99, users can download the CarLinkBT app turning their smartphone into a virtual transmitter to unlock/lock and start their vehicle, eliminating the worry of ever being without a transmitter again."

Once the CarLinkBT module is installed with a compatible remote start and/or factory keyless entry and the app is downloaded, the CarLinkBT Bluetooth Basic Service delivers access to the vehicle without the use of a transmitter.  With CarLinkBT, never worry about being without access to your vehicle again.  Have you ever found yourself with a dead battery, or happen to drop your keys in the water, or accidentally leave them locked in the car?  CarLinkBT provides peace of mind by having a virtual transmitter within your smartphone at all times.  For a one-time fee, the CarLinkBT app provides users with Remote Access/Start capabilities within Bluetooth range on up to 10 smartphones.  Users will also have access to the CarLink Insurance Discount Program to potentially save hundreds of dollars on their car insurance¹.  If you're interested in accessing your vehicle from anywhere in the world with no limitations, upgrade to the CarLinkBT Cellular Basic Service to enjoy Remote Access/Start capabilities with unlimited range².

In-vehicle safety services are some of the most desirable features in today's newest vehicles. However, there are millions of cars on the road today that are not equipped with these OE-style features as standard equipment.  Does your remote start offer you any of these services today?  Can it respond instantly during an emergency? Help you get roadside assistance?  Or even help locate your vehicle if stolen?  The CarLinkBT Cellular Premium Service is an upgraded service plan that provides users with many of today's most desired safety and convenience features at one low price.  The additional services are included within the CarLinkBT Cellular Premium Service³ easily accessible directly from your CarLinkBT smartphone app:

• E-Call Service - provides 24/7 access to make a one-touch call a dedicated Emergency Response call center in the event of an emergency.
• Roadside Assistance - provides users with a dedicated Emergency Call Center running 24/7 to assist you if you break-down, run out of gas, get a flat tire...just about anything.
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance - Helps to locate your vehicle, and share its location with the local authorities to assist in vehicle recovery.
• Driver Safety includes our unique driver distraction Text Blocking App to reduce texting and driving while vehicle is in motion, the ability to set (up to five) Geo-Fences sending alerts when a vehicle enters or exits pre-determined zones, and Speed Alerts sending a notification if the vehicle should exceed a predetermined speed threshold.
• Location Services - includes On-Demand Vehicle Location to notify  you of real-time vehicle location, as well as access to Trip Maps to view the path vehicle has traveled when enabled.
• Driver Scoring - provides reports to help improve driving habits and assist in driver coaching.

The CarLinkBT module will now also be included with the Company's recently introduced, new Prestige PROCORE remote start.  Prestige PROCORE is a "one-module" solution allowing dealers to build any style of remote start by focusing on customized features based on what is most important to their customers - without stocking multiple complete kits.

The CarLinkBT Module (ASCLBT) will be available early spring for an MSRP of $69.99.

The Prestige PROCORE with CarLinkBT (PC1BT) will be available early spring for an MSRP of $349.99.

¹Users must opt-in on the CarLinkBT App and agree to have their driving data reviewed by one of 19 participating insurance carriers to be eligible for savings discounts.  Saving discounts are determined by the selected insurance carrier based on driving data collected.

²Additional cellular hardware (ASCL5) required with a Cellular Basic Service fee of $59.99/year.

³Additional cellular hardware (ASCL5) required with a Cellular Premium Service fee of $119.99/year.

For more information about CarLinkBT please visit: www.voxxelectronics.com  

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

For more information on becoming a VOXX Electronics Dealer in the US, please visit: www.voxxelectronics.com/become-dealer

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About VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC):
VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), a global supplier of mobile and consumer electronics products.  VEC is a recognized leader in the marketing of automotive entertainment, vehicle security and tracking, remote start systems, telematics, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).  VEC's Advanced Solutions Group is focused on developing new strategic partnerships in emerging growth categories in the fields of biometrics, imagery and vocal processing.

VEC sells its products through an extensive distribution network that includes expeditors, mass merchandisers, regional mobile electronics chains and independent specialist both domestic and internationally.  VOXX Electronics possesses a strong brand portfolio and its products rank among the top ten in almost every category in which they sell.  Primary brands include: Advent, Audiovox, Car Connection, CarLink, Code Alarm, Invision, Omega, Prestige, and Pursuit.  VOXX Electronics has strategic distribution relationships with EyeLock, Singtrix and SiriusXM.  For additional information, please visit our website at www.voxxelectronics.com

About VOXX International Corporation:
VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), formerly Audiovox Corporation has grown into a worldwide leader in many automotive and consumer electronics and accessories categories, as well as premium high-end audio.  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.  For additional information, please visit our Web site at www.voxxintl.com.  

VOXX International Contact:
Larissa Bertolotti                                                       
Phone:  (631) 436-6408                                 
Email:  LBertolotti@voxxintl.com

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SOURCE VOXX International Corporation