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Clearwater, FL (July 26, 2016) – AAMP Global, manufacturer of in-vehicle technology, announced a mutually agreeable partnership, having settled its patent dispute claim against ADS.

“I am pleased that we were able to come to this resolution,” said David Klatt, CEO of AAMP Global, “it is the best outcome for both AAMP and our customers.  I am impressed with the technology ADS has produced and how they have integrated themselves into the radio manufacturers.  AAMP is committed to maximizing internal and external resources to fulfill and exceed our promise to our customers by delivering technology solutions that makes their installations faster, easier and allows them to better serve their consumers.”

“We are excited to be partnering with AAMP, and I specifically commend David for his leadership in championing this partnership,” said Frank Barassi, President of ADS. “AAMP’s strength in distribution, marketing and sales will further propel the success of Maestro throughout all channels of distribution.”  

For forty years, PAC, a Power Brand of AAMP Global, has paved the way for integrated vehicle technology, providing leading edge solutions that allow drivers to enhance their vehicle while retaining the factory experience, including its flagship line: RadioPRO.  ADS, with an eleven-year history of integration primarily in remote start/security, entered the audio interface market in 2012 introducing a proprietary two-way serial interface with aftermarket radios.

Maestro interfaces are the perfect complement to the PAC lineup, and facilitate the installation of aftermarket radios while seamlessly retaining the vehicle’s factory audio features such as voice commands, Bluetooth, satellite radio, steering wheel controls, and more. 

 “With its ability to retain factory HVAC, add performance gauges, and display vehicle safety information on the screen of the aftermarket radio, the addition of Maestro completes our overall interface portfolio,” said Scott Forst, senior vice president of sales at AAMP Global.

AAMP will now be offering ADS’s line of iDatalink Maestro products to its retail partners.  iDatalink Maestro solutions are web-programmable and offer ‘plug & play’ installation for over 6000+ vehicles from 1998 to present.

This partnership also brings together two industry veterans, Brett Riggs, Vice President of Integration and Infotainment at AAMP Global, and Mark Rutledge, Director of Engineering at ADS.  Both have proven track records of conceptualizing and implementing technology that has revolutionized the way aftermarket products are integrated into the vehicle.

“With the overwhelming reach and expertise that AAMP has into the retail channel we are extremely excited at the prospect of delivering Maestro to the 20,000+ store fronts that AAMP reaches.   We expect a high amount of synergy as the two companies collaborate on future projects,” said Rutledge.

AAMP retail partners can purchase the Maestro lineup through their AAMP sales representative beginning August 1, 2016.  ADS will provide technical support for all customers, including those who purchased their products through AAMP.  For more information, or to speak with someone in sales email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Montreal, Quebec, Canada - July 14th, 2016.

Automotive Data Solutions Inc. (ADS) has announced the launch of the all-new iDataStartÒ HC3 remote start system with FLEXÒ RF technology. HC3 is exclusively available through Rockford’s US-based network of representatives.

With iDataStart HC3, mobile electronics retailers are offered the versatility of stocking a single remote start system, equipped with two 2-way LED remote controls, configurable in one of three configurations at the time of sale:

FLEX 1W (1-Way, half-mile), FLEX 2W (2-Way, half-mile) or premium FLEX 2WX (2-way, 1-Mile) delivering up to a genuine 1-Mile of FCC-approved operating range.

At a later date, consumers can elect to enhance their experience with a FLEX configuration upgrade and this without any hardware transformations. Retailers can also choose to offer a free 30-day 2WX trial for customers who would rather try FLEX 2WX before accepting an upgrade purchase.

The iDataStart HC3’s “All-In-One” hardware features ADS’s industry leading on-board vehicle integration technology with support for over 10,000 vehicles. HC3 is also compatible with a complete selection of T-harnesses (sold separately) and offers integration with the most popular smartphone telematics solutions.

Rockford is offering the iDataStart HC3 with an aggressive buy-in program. The dealer inventory carrying cost is reduced to as low as 35% with the balance (up to 65%) only billable at the time of the installation.

“We're doing this to help our dealers” said Bill Jackson, CEO and president of Rockford. “We felt that helping dealers with SKU consolidation and reduced inventory carrying costs would offer unique benefits that really make a difference. This product is a true example of innovative free thinking and the whole team at Rockford is really excited to be partnered with ADS and getting behind this game changing technology”, continued Jackson.

“Innovation and relationships has always been the cornerstone of the ADS culture” said Frank Barassi, President of ADS. “Rockford shares this same ideology and HC3 allows for the two companies to form a perfect collaboration. We anticipate dealers throughout the USA will embrace this product. ADS will continue to invest in evolving this technology, recognizing that innovation and success is only sustainable if we adequately respond to consumer and retailer needs”, continued Barassi.

Rockford Fosgate will be shipping the iDataStart HC3 to dealers in early September. For more information on the buy in program, pricing, and availability, contact Rockford Fosgate at 1-800-669-9899.

For more information on Rockford Fosgate please visit www.rockfordfosgate.com

Montreal, Canada, August 19th 2016 -- Automotive Data Solutions Inc. (ADS) will unveil its new iDataStart® VWX and VW2 remote start systems for select Volkswagen/Audi standard key and push-to-start models 2006 and up this weekend at Knowledgefest in Dallas, Texas

Thanks to its patented KLON ‘over-the-air’ key cloning technology, ADS’ all new VW/Audi remote start solutions are the first to provide a secure, digital override solution of the vehicle’s immobilizer system without installing a physical key under the dash.

While most technicians will agree that installing a traditional remote starter on an Audi or VW can be quite challenging, iDataStart VW solutions will include a ‘plug & play’ T-harness that dramatically reduces install time and complexity. Both solutions will also support convenience features such as lock, unlock and trunk release as well as ‘3XLOCK’ remote start from the factory key fob on most models.

"Developing this solution was not an easy task, but we felt the industry needed it so it was time for us to get it done." said Frank Barassi, President at ADS.

"Delivering solutions like these that have long been considered ‘undoable’ is the reason we get up in the morning and a testament to ADS’ commitment to innovation", continued Barassi.  

iDataStart VW remote starters will begin shipping across the US and Canada in October 2016 and will be available in two variants: iDataStart VWX will ship without RF for ‘3xLOCK’ remote start from the factory key fob, while iDataStart VW2 will include a 1-button, 2-Way long range remote. Both kits will include the VW1 T-harness and are compatible with most aftermarket telematics devices including DroneMobile and AutoLink and more.

For more information on iDataStart VWX and VW2, visit ADS at booth #310 at Knowledgefest.

Automotive Data Solutions Inc. (ADS) has announced the release of its much-anticipated Toyota 'H' key solution available exclusively for iDatalink and iDataStart HC. 

The DL-TL9/RSA-TL9 is an immobilizer bypass and databus integration solution for 2013-2016 Toyota and Scion standard 'H' key models, including the Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius C and RAV4. The solution is the first to allow users to add an aftermarket remote starter without having to sacrifice a car key, according to the company. The device has an MSRP that rangers from $100 to $120.

"It’s a pretty big deal because we’re first to market on a remote start solution for Toyota 80-bit H key vehicles that installers been waiting for almost three years now," said Dan Facciola of ADS. "Previously to this solution, consumers had to relinquish a vehicle key (worth $250-300) in order to install a remote starter. This is no longer the case with our solution."

Other features include:

  • OEM alarm arm/disarm from factory key and aftermarket remote
  • Data Tach output and Parking Light support
  • Minimal hardwiring required
  • Available for ADS-ALCA, BLADE-AL and iDataStart HC
Firstech to assume the iDataStart brand of remote start solutions for the US market
AUGUST 27, 2021 - (Seattle, WA / Montréal, QC): Ahead of the upcoming remote start season, Firstech and Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) are announcing a strategic alliance to bring further innovation to iDataStart remote start solutions in the U.S. market. As part of this announcement, Firstech and ADS will also streamline future product development by better aligning the efforts of both teams.

iDataStart was created by ADS in the mid-2010s and has since become one of the leading brands of remote starters, particularly in Canada. Some of the key advantages of iDataStart products include:
• All-in-one remote start and bypass module interface
• Industry leading coverage featuring a wide range of vehicle-specific t-harnesses
• Web-programmable from desktop, tablet and mobile
• Easy-to-follow installation guides
 
By partnering with Firstech, ADS will instantly enhance iDataStart’s presence in the U.S. market while also streamlining product development to meet the specific needs of U.S. consumers and dealers. Firstech will extend the opportunity to purchase iDataStart products to its dealer base of 1,500+ U.S. retailers along with any new dealers interested in upgrading their remote start assortment.
 
“We are thrilled to bring Canada’s #1 remote start brand by volume to the U.S. market. More importantly, with the teams from both companies more closely aligned, we can speed up product innovation and better react to changing market dynamics,” said Jason Kaminski, Managing Director of Firstech.
 
ADS and Firstech’s alliance signals a new chapter in the companies’ shared history of collaboration and innovation. In 2007, Firstech and ADS co-released the revolutionary “BLADE-AL”, the first-ever cartridge-style immobilizer bypass module. Several years later, the two companies released the DC3 all-in-one remote starter, which remains one of Firstech’s best selling products. Lastly, Firstech’s award-winning telematics solution, DroneMobile, is compatible with all iDataStart remote starters.
 
“Building on the long, successful partnership between our two companies, we are excited to make iDataStart products more broadly available to Firstech’s wide network of U.S. retailers. By creating synergies with Firstech’s national salesforce and top-rate technical support staff, we are confident that iDataStart products will quickly become a valued addition on dealers’ shelves across the country,” added Robert Di Cesare, General Manager of ADS.
 
Firstech will transition to the exclusive source for iDataStart products in the U.S. as of September 2021. Products will be available for purchase directly from Firstech, online at myFirstech.com, and through authorized subdistributors.
 
To learn more about iDataStart’s U.S. lineup, please visit www.idatastart.us.
---
About Firstech
Firstech is an award-winning connected car company from Seattle, Washington. Since the company’s founding in Anchorage, Alaska, Firstech has primarily focused on developing solutions to improve the safety, comfort and peace of mind of drivers on the road. Over the past 6 consecutive years, Firstech has been voted “Top Vendor in Security and Convenience” solutions by the Mobile Electronics Association, demonstrating the company’s commitment to product innovation and customer support.
 
About ADS
Founded in 2005, Automotive Data Solutions Inc. (ADS) is a privately held company specialized in the development and marketing of remote start and audio integration solutions destined for the automotive aftermarket. ADS’ award-winning products – including iDatalink®, iDatalink Maestro® and iDataStart® brands – are sold and installed through a network of authorized dealers across North America. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, ADS comprises of full-service Research & Development, Information Technology, Marketing and Technical Support teams. For more information about ADS, visit www.adsdata.ca
 

2-26-2017 -- Automotive Data Solutions Inc. (ADS) has announced that Momentum Marketing is now the exclusive manufacturer’s representative for the iDatalink Maestro® product line in the EIA Texas territory.

“We are very excited to be working with Momentum Marketing. Their energetic, highly technical staff and superior focus on customer service set them apart as the ideal fit for the Maestro premium radio replacement products,” said Robert Di Cesare of ADS. 

For information about becoming a dealer or distributor, please contact Momentum Marketing at 281-714-5742 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In addition, two new distributors have been added to meet the immediate needs of dealers in this territory. For Dallas dealers, please contact A&W Distributors at 214-351-0977 or visit www.awdistributors.com. For Houston dealers, contact Stereo Max at 713-988-9800 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information about ADS and iDatalink Maestro products, visit www.adsdata.ca.

10-11-2017, Mobile Electronics -- Think back to what the car buying experience was like two decades ago. Whether a consumer bought used or new, purchasing an aftermarket car stereo was no big hassle.

Today the landscape has completely changed with aftermarket companies forced to keep pace with all of the advanced technologies automakers are packing into their vehicles. But that is how Montreal, Canada -based Automotive Data Solutions, Inc. (ADS) helps its technology partners keep doing business as usual.

ADS specializes in the development and marketing of remote start and audio integration solutions destined for the aftermarket. Its list of technology partners, which reads like a who’s who of the 12-volt world, includes: Alpine, Arc Audio, AudioControl, Audison, Autopage, Belron (Canada), Compustar, Firstech, K40 Electronics, Kenwood, Omega, Pioneer, Rockford Fosgate, and Voxx.

Marketed under the iDatalink, iDatalink Maestro, and iDataStart brands, ADS products are sold and installed through a network of authorized dealers across North America, South America, Europe, and Russia. ADS also develops several private label solutions for various strategic partners and markets those worldwide.

“Right now the biggest challenge is that it’s a very vehicle specific game,” said ADS marketing director Dan Facciolo. “Go back 15 years ago and you were able to advertise and sell a car radio without having to worry that it wasn’t going to work in certain cars. Now when it comes time to market that radio you don’t want to worry about which cars it won’t work in.  Not every product works in every car, but that’s where we come in. We specialize in the vehicle interface part. Our job is to make the car radio or remote car starter from a manufacturer work in a lot of cars.”

A recent example involves BMW. “A few years ago we released the first remote car starter solution for BMWs that didn’t require the installers to physically install a key in the vehicle,” Facciolo said. “Over one year of R&D was invested in deciphering the technology, but years later, we still are the only company to have offered a solution.”

Even the most mainstream, popular vehicles have fallen victim to the same challenge, according to Facciolo. “A few years ago the Toyota Corolla became somewhat of a complicated vehicle if you wanted to install a remote car starter,” he said. “There are literally hundreds of thousands of Corollas sold every year. If you can’t install a remote car starter on them, it becomes a huge problem for the retail channel because they’re missing out on a bread-and-butter car, or the installation becomes a lot more expensive than it should be. Every year new cars are coming out with more technology and what we need to do is reverse engineer those technologies in order to install aftermarket products in those cars.”

Full-On Support

What makes ADS unique is that its comprehensive support efforts are not just limited to products. It is a powerful one-stop shop for its technology partners’ needs.

“We can manufacture their products from A to Z, but we also offer marketing and sales support,” said Facciolo. “We offer engineering support, IT support and on-the-road sales support. When you’re dealing with ADS, we can help you manufacture your product, assist with the marketing of it, or we can simply manufacture a component that is compatible with an OEM product.”

ADS has close to 100 employees with a large engineering team on both the remote start and car audio fronts. “Engineering and IT are our biggest departments,” said Facciolo. “We also have a large technical support department because we need to support all of our private label partners as well as our own brands across North America.” There is central marketing (which Facciolo heads up) where marketing collateral for private label customers is generated.

“When a manufacturer comes to us we don’t just create the product itself,” Facciolo said. “We help them develop the packaging. We make websites for them. Sometimes we create sales material. Often times we have a sales team that will go on the road and support a private label vendor at distributor shows or trade shows. ADS might be there giving presentations on behalf of the private label manufacturer. What we offer is end-to-end service—not just creating or manufacturing a product for them, but also offering the services that go along with the product.”

Just recently, ADS attended KnowledgeFest where the company had its own booth, but its presence went beyond that. “Our staff was also assisting other vendors at their booths and also in their trainings,” Facciolo said. “If you go to any road show, any big distributor show, any industry trade show, there is a good chance you’ll find an ADS representative at the Voxx booth, at the Compustar booth, or at the Kenwood booth.”

If there is a situation where a retailer is installing an ADS product and having an issue, the company has a technical support department open six days a week with social media available 24-7. “We have support groups and they’re available phone, social media, or forums which is pretty industry standard for our retailers,” Facciolo said.

With its technology partners, said Facciolo, if there is an engineering issue, then it is typically addressed engineering team to engineering team. “Their engineers will contact ours and we will work through the problem,” he said. “If it is vehicle specific, then we will get access to that vehicle and do the troubleshooting for them. Since we work with software, our product is designed to be programmed online. You plug our product into the USB cable to our website and there is software that gets flashed in and allows it to work on a certain vehicle. If it is a vehicle-specific bug, we get access to that car and make the necessary tweaks to the software that will make it work. It’s a quick process. As soon as a bug is reported we are able to address it pretty quickly and issue software updates through the Internet.”

Read the rest of the story HERE.

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