Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News
Rand Mueller, president and CEO of GPSi, works in his vehicle using a laptop, which is part of the car-based wireless technology being developed by the company.
Business plan
With investment, GPSi to expand retail
The company: GPSi LLC develops and supplies telematics hardware, software and services for the automotive industry. The Pontiac company's primary product is GuidePoint, which uses global-positioning satellites, wireless technology and the Internet to provide driver safety features like roadside assistance and convenience services including driving directions and traffic reports. It also tracks fleet vehicles or stolen cars.
Growth funding: The company recently received additional money from investors, including Plymouth Venture Partners of Ann Arbor. This financing plus a new senior credit facility through Comerica Bank will allow the company to grow in new directions, including a greater presence in retail stores, GPSi President and CEO Rand Mueller said.
Worldwide connection: Mueller anticipates GuidePoint will grow to include online content, ending the isolation that drivers experience. "We believe that the car will be connected wirelessly to the rest of the world," Mueller said, allowing drivers to access any location-based information they need along their route.
On the Web: www.guidepointsystems.com
Final word: "We need to have more of this kind of innovation in Michigan," Mueller said. "The state needs to diversify beyond its pure automotive base."
Karen Dybis
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About GPSi
Guidepoint™ integrates GPS satellites, wireless technology, the Web and 24/7/365 response centers to help make driving safer, smarter and easier for drivers throughout North America and Mexico. Drivers can access a variety of helpful services including stolen vehicle recovery, emergency assistance, driving directions and vehicle tracking at the touch of a button or by calling 1-877-GPS-FIND anytime day or night. Owned and operated by Pontiac, Mich.-based GPSi, LLC, Guidepoint is sold at new car dealerships nationwide. Visit www.guidepointsystems.com for information.
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Brian Edwards, VP Corp. Development
GPSi, LLC
Telephone: 616-262-7484
brian@guidepointsystems.com
At Guidepoint Systems we strive to provide the total driving solution, from upgrading your service plan to purchasing special services. We hope your GPS visit is simple and fun.
It’s a digital world – and your car is no exception. That’s why Guidepoint and Cingular® have introduced the industry’s first all-digital system for stolen vehicle recovery, driver safety / convenience and fleet management. With the new digital Guidepoint, you’ll get faster, more reliable service throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
"Frost & Sullivan is pleased to recognize Guidepoint's ability to grow consistently, year after year, with the 2007 Best Bang for the Buck of the Year Award in stolen vehicle tracking systems,” said Frost & Sullivan’s Sathyanarayana K, research analyst. “We attribute this success to the company's service orientation, the positive relationships that it has built with dealers and distributors, and the unique hardware/software package that it offers to end-users."
