Automotive and Insurance Industry News-Jan 18, 2004

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Automotive and Insurance Industry News

AXONN AXTracker(TM) GPS Tracking Device enabled with new features

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 22- High-tech capabilities such as on-board motion detection, remote temperature sensing, low battery detection, external antenna capability, and optional line power are among the features now available on AXONN's battery operated AXTracker GPS telemetry device.

AXTracker is currently available in North American and the Middle East over the Globalstar satellite network. Additional regions are planned in the near future.

With on-board motion detection, AXTracker can remotely sense if the vehicle to which it is attached is in motion or stationary. This allows greater battery life by extended sleep periods during inactivity and instant wake-up and alarm when the vehicle moves.

Poll Shows Parents Support Measure to Reduce Teen Crashes

BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 22- Almost three-quarters of Americans support laws limiting the number of teenage passengers who may ride with inexperienced teen drivers, according to a nationwide poll taken by AAA. Crash data show that these laws are the most effective way to reduce teen crashes, deaths and injuries, but only half the states have enacted these laws.

More than 90 percent of those polled believe that laws should include restrictions on the teen passengers that teen drivers can have in their vehicles. In California, where these laws took effect in 1999, teen passenger deaths and injuries have dropped by 23 percent. See more information on California auto insurance resources.

Crisis Management Program Could Save Millions in Lost Wages and Production

DETROIT, Jan. 21- The electrical blackout in Canada and the United States last year resulted in an estimated production loss of 35,000 vehicles, the temporary layoff of more than 100,000 workers and more than $1 billion in lost wages and production.

DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors, have created a crisis management process designed to help the auto industry save millions of dollars annually, and alleviate worker layoffs and lost production.

A recent study conducted by Michigan State University indicated that almost 50 percent of small- to medium-sized businesses that experience a fire, major theft or similar disaster will go out of business within two years.