Rydeen Mirror Navigation Systems Will Become ‘Guidepoint Ready’ in 2011

Users will be able to access location-based emergency and concierge services supplied by Guidepoint

Jan 4, 2011

Madison Heights, MI, and Torrance, CA – Guidepoint Systems says it has reached an agreement in principle to provide its award-winning emergency response and vehicle theft prevention architecture for use in products made by Rydeen North America, Inc. dba Rydeen Mobile Electronics. Rydeen produces in-vehicle navigation systems, parking safety systems and personal productivity devices for the consumer electronics market. Starting mid-2011, the Rydeen MN series of navigation-equipped car replacement mirrors will come from the factory with Guidepoint’s software and user interface built-in, allowing end users to contact Guidepoint’s response center to receive services based on the exact location of their vehicle.

Rydeen’s MN series of navigation mirrors launched in 2009 and have quickly become a mainstay in the 12-volt industry. Built to replace the factory mirror, each model features a 3.5-inch touch screen which hosts a built-in, full-featured navigation system, handsfree Bluetooth car kit with speaker and media player, as well as inputs for additional video sources and a rear camera—the latter of which switches automatically when the vehicle is put into reverse. The latest software from NAVTEQ powers the Rydeen navigation system with more than 4 million Points of Interest (POIs), and the system includes 2D or 3D map view, lane assist and more.

“We are excited to work with Guidepoint to bring their services to our devices and our customers,” said Phil Maeda, president of Rydeen. “Not only is Guidepoint is a well-known quality supplier of vehicle tracking and recovery systems, but they provide a service element–both to end users and retailers—that is vital to maintaining and growing a customer base. Having their own U.S.-based call center is a key component to providing our customers with a rich support experience, and we look forward to a productive relationship.”

‘Guidepoint Ready’ describes a growing list of products that feature Guidepoint services built-in. These devices enable users to access an array of services, from emergency response and roadside assistance to getting the latest information on sports scores and stock quotes. By upgrading a Guidepoint Ready device with Guidepoint’s Stolen Vehicle Locator module, users get real-time vehicle tracking, theft recovery vehicle event notification and a host of other options, all accessible from the device. Current Guidepoint Ready devices are produced by Rosen, Brandmotion and Visteon.

“We are pleased to provide our services to Rydeen,” said Geoff Dixon, marketing manager for Guidepoint. “Drivers depend on their navigation systems to get them where they are going every day, and rear-view cameras and Bluetooth functionality ensure that they get there safely. Guidepoint’s service, safety and protection features fit perfectly in this array. We are confident that consumers will welcome the enhanced features and peace of mind that Guidepoint provides.”

For more information, visit www.rydeenmobile.com, www.guidepointsystems.com or call 1-877-GPS-FIND.