SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger Drives Into Automotive Market Offering Complete GPS System for On-road Travel
MILPITAS, Calif., July 9, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPOT LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) and a leader in personal satellite messaging and emergency communications, today announced it has expanded its retail distribution to The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE:PBY), the nation's leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain. Starting today, The Pep Boys will sell the award-winning SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger(tm) in all 560+ locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico as well as online at pepboys.com.
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger(tm) provides users a complete GPS tracking and alert system for those who spend time in the outdoors or on the road traveling. SPOT is the world's first satellite GPS messenger. Because SPOT uses satellite technology, users can send their GPS location coordinates and status message to personal contacts, roadside service providers or an emergency response center regardless of cellular availability. Users can also activate a web-based tracking function which allows the unit to be visually tracked on Google Earth(tm) or Google Maps(tm).
"This marks the company's entrance into the automotive market and we are delighted to partner with Pep Boys in support of our new on-road tracking and assistance service, SPOT Assist Roadside," said Jake Rembert, vice president of sales, SPOT LLC. "The recent launch and availability of SPOT Assist Roadside provides location-based, satellite solutions to a broader, market for everyday use. We look forward to a long standing relationship with Pep Boys and their customers."
SPOT Assist Roadside, is the only portable roadside assistance service that operates solely on satellite communications. Unlike OnStar(r) or other GPS navigation devices that may rely on cellular communications, SPOT Assist Roadside combines GPS and satellite communications technologies to deliver location-based messaging from around town or on rural back roads.
"We selected the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger because we want to offer our customers a reliable, portable, and cost-effective safety solution," said Pep Boy's Electronics Category Manager Michael Martin.
