Directed Electronics Announces New Viper SmartStart™ Models with Lower Pricing and Free Roadside Assistance Through the Viper Motor Club™

VISTA, Calif., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Directed Electronics today announced what it calls Viper SmartStart 2.0 – a comprehensive update to its award-winning Viper SmartStart product line, which allows users to control vehicle security and convenience features using their iPhone®, BlackBerry® or Android® smartphone.

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Lower Pricing

With Viper SmartStart 2.0, Directed has dramatically lowered pricing, with dealers advertising Viper SmartStart as low as $199 as an add-on to compatible Viper systems. According to Mike Simmons, Executive VP of Directed Electronics, "We optimized the design and engineered costs out to put Viper SmartStart within reach of as many customers as possible."

"We created the smartphone car integration category last year with the launch of Viper SmartStart," said Simmons.  "It's exciting to see all the attention the category has been getting lately, with OnStar® and many of the OEMs pre-announcing their products on the drawing board. It's clear that customers are very interested in controlling their car from their smartphone, and we will continue to lead this category by being first to market with the most advanced – and most affordable – solutions."

Viper Motor Club

Locked out? Dead Battery? Need a tow? Viper SmartStart's got your back. Free roadside assistance now comes with Viper SmartStart 2.0. Customers in a bind can access the Viper Motor Club with just the push of a button in the Viper SmartStart app.  And this is just one of many features Directed will be adding starting in the 4th Quarter. "We are focused on delivering a simple and affordable smartphone solution with features that drivers really value, including the new Viper Motor Club," added Simmons.

"It is hard to believe we launched Viper SmartStart just one year ago," said Kevin Duffy, President of Directed Electronics. "Viper SmartStart received an onslaught of media attention, and introduced a completely new product category in mobile electronics. We expect the launch of Viper SmartStart 2.0 to drive a whole new wave of customer interest over the next few months, especially with cold weather on its way."

The new Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module (VSM200) can add SmartStart capability to the millions of cars on the road with Viper systems installed.  Now most Viper remote start and security systems installed since 2003 are SmartStart compatible.  In addition, two new complete Viper SmartStart systems are being introduced: Dealers are advertising the Viper VSS3000 Remote Start System as low as $299, while the Viper VSS5000 Security with Remote Start System is being advertised as low as $499. For more information including a store locator, please visit www.viper.com/smartstart

About Directed Electronics

Headquartered in Southern California, Directed Electronics is the largest designer and marketer in North America of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart® and other brand names). Directed Electronics is also a supplier of mobile audio products sold principally under the Orion® brand name, and digital OEM Integration products sold under the XPRESSKIT® brand name. Directed Electronics markets its broad portfolio of products through many channels including leading national retailers and specialty chains throughout North America and around the world. Founded in 1982, the company's primary operations are located in Vista, California and Quebec, Canada. For more information, please visit www.directed.com. Directed Electronics is a business unit of DEI Holdings, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release that are not historical fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by the use of terms such as "may," "should," "might," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" and similar words, although some may be expressed differently. Shareholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results of DEI Holdings to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include competition in the consumer electronics industry, development of new products and changing demand of customers, reliance on certain key customers, decline in consumer spending, reliance on certain manufacturers and their ability to maintain satisfactory delivery schedules, disruption in supply chain, shortages of components and materials, economic risks associated with changes in social, political, regulatory, and economic conditions in the countries where the company's products are manufactured, quality installation of products by customers, significant product returns or product liability claims, compliance with various state and local regulations, risks with international operations, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, claims related to intellectual property, ability to service debt obligations, restrictive terms of the company's senior secured credit facility, vulnerability to increases in interest rates, disruption in distribution centers, ability to raise additional capital if needed, dependence on senior management, ability to realize on investments made in the business, and integration of acquired businesses. Certain of these factors, as well as various additional factors, are discussed from time to time in the reports filed by DEI Holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. DEI Holdings disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE Directed Electronics