ESCORT Radar Announces a New Revolutionary Portable Radar and Laser Detector with GPS Intelligence and Safety Camera Database

Further expanding its technological leadership in the radar and laser detector industry, ESCORT Inc. announced today the next generation of its GPS-powered speed and location intelligent radar and laser detectors, the all-new PASSPORT 9500ix.

"This product will completely revolutionize the radar detector category" said Tim Coomer Vice President of Product Development. "Although we have developed and incorporated leading edge technology never seen in our category, the customer will be able to simply plug it in and drive. It's just that simple" continued Coomer.

In addition to its class-leading performance against radar and laser guns, the new PASSPORT 9500ix adds an all-new safety camera database and artificial intelligence to automatically eliminate false alarms. "We're excited about these new capabilities and believe that they provide our customers with the best defense against the latest speed measurement devices" said Coomer.

The use of safety cameras, including red light and fixed position speed cameras, is increasing throughout the U.S. and Canada every day. The PASSPORT 9500ix addresses this type of threat by including a pre-loaded database with thousands of these locations stored in its memory. As the driver approaches one of these locations, the PASSPORT 9500ix provides an advanced warning including the type of camera in use. In addition, the PASSPORT 9500ix's database can store speed trap and any other location using its Mark Location feature. "We believe speed cameras will continue to grow in popularity throughout North America. Given their low output power and angle to the road, our customers will have a clear advantage with this detector" continued Coomer.

To make it easy to stay up to date on new camera installations, ESCORT will provide database and firmware updates to its customers through their website. Customers simply connect the detector to their computer using a standard USB cable and log on to ESCORT's website. The PASSPORT 9500ix comes with free updates for 90 days, and annual subscriptions will be available for a nominal fee. Notifications for new updates will be communicated using email.

The PASSPORT 9500ix also builds upon ESCORT's patented GPS technology by introducing a new feature called AutoLearn. "Our new AutoLearn feature is the first artificial intelligence for a detector. As the customer drives, the PASSPORT 9500ix constantly analyzes all signals received and determines if it's a real threat or not. False sources, like automatic door openers and motion sensors, will be locked out automatically. Now the only alerts our customers will get are the ones that really count" said Coomer.

The PASSPORT 9500ix also incorporates ESCORT's exclusive "AutoSensitivity", which varies the radar performance based on the speed of the vehicle. At interstate speeds, the PASSPORT 9500ix's radar performance increases automatically to provide maximum sensitivity. At slower speeds, the sensitivity is adjusted to further reduce unneeded alerts, especially when the customer is not at risk.

"Bottom line, this detector provides the earliest possible warning of real threats, while automatically eliminating false alerts using our new artificial intelligence. It's truly a remarkable device for those who want the very best protection" added Coomer.

The PASSPORT 9500ix will be available direct from ESCORT in July. The suggested retail price will be $499.95. Consumers can call toll-free 800-433-3487 for more information or to place an order.

ESCORT created the high-performance radar detector market in 1978, and has been issued more patents in the radar detector field than all other manufacturers combined. ESCORT manufactures test-winning detectors under the PASSPORT, SOLO and Beltronics brands.

ESCORT Inc. is headquartered in West Chester, Ohio with its principal manufacturing facility located in Mississauga, Ontario Canada.

For more information on the PASSPORT 9500ix log on to EscortRadar.com/9500ix.htm or for more information on ESCORT's full line of products, visit Escortradar.com.

The High-tech Tool that Has Revolutionized the Road Trip

Spring Break is just around the corner, and if you’re among the millions of Americans planning to travel to your vacation destination by car, you may have a high-tech navigation system along for the ride.

According to statistics kept by NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation (and location-based solutions), since 1999 nearly 18 million US and Canadian vehicles have been equipped with either in-dash or portable electronic navigation systems, tools that relegate the paper map to the glove compartment.

A hands-free map is not the only benefit an in-vehicle navigation system offers. There’s also the time-savings, as you’ll be far less likely to get lost while trying to reach your destination; not to mention gas savings. By knowing exactly how to get to your destination, even when in unfamiliar areas, you are less likely to drive out of your way searching for street names or the next turn.

The technological advance that makes all this possible is an on-board computer that interacts with Global Position System (GPS) satellites and a digital map database to pinpoint the vehicle location and provide guidance to a destination.

“In order for GPS information to be useful, the data must be used in conjunction with an accurate, up-to-date digital map,” advises Cliff Fox of NAVTEQ. “We feel NAVTEQ maps are an excellent solution because they’re updated quarterly to deliver accuracy.”

Many navigation systems also offer voice navigation features. The text-to-speech voice directions will announce directions by street names to guide you more safely. Hearing “turn right on Main street.” as opposed to finding it on a paper map allows you to keep your eyes on the road.

So whether you’re headed to Florida, Wyoming, Texas or California, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find the attraction you want to visit your preferred restaurant, ATM or gas station with ease. NAVTEQ digital maps offer superior reliability, details and accuracy along every route.

For more information about digital technology, and the features available for your vehicle or portable electronic device, log on to http://www.navteq.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Keep Your Gear Safe and Your Truck Looking Like New

Whether you’re hauling for work or for play, it’s important to protect all the gear that goes into your truck bed. Truck owners frequently use their vehicles to haul all kinds of cargo that could potentially be damaged or stolen.

“People invest a lot of time and money into the equipment they use,” says Peter May, from Lund International. “Keeping it securely in your vehicle ensures it will work to its full potential and eliminates worry.”

One inexpensive, yet effective way to protect your gear is with a tonneau cover. Assuming you have installed a bed liner for basic protection, adding a tonneau cover will help protect the gear that goes into the bed, protecting it from debris and moisture. Whether hinged, roll-up, tri-fold or with snap closures, they protect your gear from extreme elements. Not to mention keeping everything safe from theft. Out of sight is out of mind. If something isn’t visible, it’s much less likely to be stolen.

When you’re hauling work tools, furniture or hunting, fishing or camping equipment, cover the side rails and tailgate to help keep them safe from the wear and tear of loading and unloading. Side rail caps, tailgate caps and tailgate protectors in polished diamond plate aluminum protect the bed’s finish and enhance your vehicle’s appearance.

If you are frequently loading ATVs, lawnmowers or other motorized equipment, a folding aluminum ramp is the way to go. With an extruded hole surface for a solid grip and raised edges to help keep tires safely on the ramp, it’s the safest, easiest way to load the vehicles. Ramps also eliminate the need for a trailer, saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The ramp’s heavy-duty design has a 1,000-pound distributed load capacity per ramp and yet, weighs only 17 pounds. The rubberized tailgate protector guards the tailgate finish, and easy fold-and-go design with carrying handle allows for convenient storage.

Taking your ATV along for hunting, camping or mending fences typically means you need to carry other equipment with you. ATV boxes mounted to your vehicle help to keep it all in place, free from the damaging elements and locked up safe. Binoculars, ammunition, a GPS unit, a two-way radio, tools and anything else that needs to stay clean and dry fits easily in the box.

The ATV boxes have aluminum diamond plate construction with a black powder coat finish that resists cracking and fading, and minimizes reflection from the sun. Sturdy latches and locks keep gear safe, and drain and ventilation holes for air circulation make cleaning a breeze.

With plenty of secure storage for work and play, you can put your mind at ease wherever you are and no matter what you’re doing. Your truck and your stuff will last longer and still look great.

For more information log on to http://www.lundinternational.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Expand Your Vehicle’s Capacity

Are you among the thousands of Americans who have traded in their gas guzzling trucks and SUVs for smaller vehicles due to the rising gas prices? If so, congratulations! You’ve made a money-saving move that will pay off big.

While most larger vehicles average only 15 to 18 miles per gallon, sedans and CUVs get 25 to 30 and hybrids deliver up to 50 miles per gallon. So instead of being able to go only 200 miles on a tank that cost you $50 to fill, you can travel 500 miles or more without any additional expense.

While the numbers are impressive, there is a tradeoff. You lose a lot of cargo room when you downsize. Some people try to get creative when they travel by packing all they can into the trunk then tying it down with a rope, or strapping their bags to the roof; but there are better solutions.

Lund International, a leading manufacturer of automotive accessories, for example, offers a number of solutions for people who need to carry more than their smaller cars or CUVs can handle. Whether you’re going on vacation, or just planning to tailgate at an upcoming football game, here are some affordable accessories you’ll want to consider adding to your vehicle:

* Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier

A 20-inch by 60-inch steel platform that fits into a standard 2-inch hitch receiver on the back of your vehicle. It is available in both folding and stationary styles, and comes with pre-punched holes for attaching accessories and tie down straps.

This is the perfect accessory for transporting a grill and cooler for a tailgating party. It can also be used to carry gear for a camping trip, suitcases, or just about anything you can imagine that would fit on the platform. If you want to protect your belongings, you can opt for the optional heavy duty storage bag, cargo netting or side bar attachment. There’s also a bike carrier attachment available.

* Roof Top Carrier

This is a cargo basket that attaches to factory or aftermarket roof rack on a minivan, CUV or SUV with no drilling. The large capacity basket provides plenty of storage space for luggage, cargo bags and more. They are available in two sizes (39-inch by 44-inch and 39-inch by 55-inch). Netting to secure your cargo to the rack is also available, as are roof top bags that provide complete weatherproof protection in an aerodynamic design.

* Drop Down Bike Carrier

If you are an avid bike rider, and used to simply throw your bike in the back of the truck or SUV when you traveled, the additional cargo space is probably missed a lot. Lund offers a hitch-mounted, drop down bike carrier constructed of 2-inch steel tubing that is powder coated for durability and rust protection. It installs in seconds, folds down to allow easy access to the trunk or cargo area, and comes with an adjustable clamp plate that fits most bike tube diameters. Rubber padding on the clamp prevents slipping and scratching of bikes.

You can find Lund products at leading automotive retailers nationwide. Log on to www.lundinternational.com for a store locator.

Courtesy of ARAcontent