New and Updated Sensors Make Installation Faster and More Profitable

VISTA, Calif. (January 08, 2019) – Directed today announced the addition of two new DS4 security sensors to its ecosystem of DS4 products. Since its founding, Directed has been at the forefront of automotive security, and these new security-specific sensors build on that legacy.

The 8604W is a multi-function sensor that connects to DS4 systems via Bluetooth, and provides multiple functionalities and uses. The 8604W is truly wireless and is battery powered with an estimated 5-year battery life. Like all accessories for the DS4, it is configurable via the Directlink Mobile app. The 8604W can be configured in three innovative ways – as an impact sensor, a tilt sensor, or as a hood or door trigger. It is configurable to perform just one of these functions or all three at the same time. 

The 8508D dual-zone proximity sensor is an update to Directed’s 508D. The 8508D sensor connects to DS4 systems via D2D2.0 and provides adjustable inner and outer fields via the Directlink mobile app. It detects moving high-density objects using digital field-disturbance technology and provides warn-away and fulltrigger warnings to the DS4. The 8508D is ideal for convertibles or any vehicle where a customer may want to protect the interior contents from theft. It features a single D2D2.0 connection for communication and power, as well as a D2D2.0 pass-through port to add additional sensors. 

“In 2019, we launched a number of security-only options for DS4. In 2020, we’re expanding our DS4 security options with the most cutting-edge sensors ever created in our industry,” according to James Turner, SVP & GM, Remote Start and Security at Directed. “The 8604W and the 8508D sensors add to the ever-growing DS4 ecosystem, providing faster, easier installation options for both technicians and consumers. Whether you’re protecting a convertible or a box truck, Directed has the best security options in the industry.”

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit www.directed.com/contact/ or call (800) 876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart®, Alcohol Detection Systems® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information, contact 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..

Control Center Ensures a Great DS4 Experience Whether the Customer Purchases an RF Kit or Not

VISTA, Calif. (August 5, 2019) – Directed today announced it is now shipping a new D2D Control Center for DS4/DS4+ systems – the 8620D – which will enable faster and more efficient installation of DS4 and DS4+ systems when used without a Directed RF kit.

The 8620D is a plug and play control center that connects to the DS4/DS4+ via one of the D2D 2.0 ports on the module, and includes a programming button and features the same LED flashing style as the new XDR control center.

“With the 8620D, we are responding to feedback from our valued installer partners. Before its release, technicians were required to hardwire an LED and valet switch into the DS4 if they weren’t using one of our RF kits,” said James Turner, SVP Core Product Planning. “With the 8620D, it’s easier for install techs to use the Directlink mobile app for programming. Plus, vehicle owners will love the fact that they can easily add their system to the SmartStart mobile app for convenient Bluetooth® control.”

The 8620D replaces the current wired LED/Valet switch in existing DS4/DS4+ systems and will be available as a separate part number for existing systems.

“The 8620D simplifies the DS4/DS4+ install for expediters who are selling 3x Start and still need to access control menus and BLE pairing on the DS4 and the DS4+,” according to Turner. “Because the 8620D connects to the DS4/DS4+ via an included D2D RF cable, adding an RF kit will be even easier if the customer decides to upgrade later on.”

To learn more about DS4 technologies, go to www.directed.com/ds4.

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit www.directed.com/contact/ or call 1-800-876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart®, Alcohol Detection Systems® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Breakthrough Plug-n-Play Factory Fit Capability for Rogue, Rogue Sport, and Qashqai

VISTA, Calif. (November 19, 2018) – Directed today further expanded its DS4 T-Harnesses making Nissan installations even easier. The THNIN5 is a plug-n-play solution for 2014-2018 Nissan Rogue and 2017-2018 Rogue Sport and Qashqai. The THNIN5 is compatible with both Smart Key and Regular Key systems.

“We’ve focused our innovation at Directed on addressing the challlenges faced by our install tech partners in the bays,” said James Turner, Directed SVP of Product Management. “We constantly seek out their feedback and use it to guide the efforts of our engineering, product development and technical support teams. That partnership delivers breakthrough products like the THNIN5.This plug-n-play solution for the Rogue, Rogue Sport, and Qashqai will save technicians hours of time in the install bay.” 

Directed T-harnesses utilize factory connectors for a faster, seamless installation.

Go to www.directed.com/ds4 to learn more about DS4 technologies and www.directechs.com to find out about Directed’s entire T-Harness lineup.

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit http://www.directed.com/contact/becomedealer or call 1-800-876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart®, Alcohol Detection Systems® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VISTA, Calif. (April 23, 2018) – Directed is pleased to announce the introduction of its award-winning DS4 technology into the Automate family of products.

The new Automate DS4 Digital Systems feature four key technologies integrated into one powerful platform. Remote start, security, interface, and Bluetooth® all work together seamlessly with the vehicle’s existing systems to enable a connected-car experience like no other. DS4 utilizes the latest technology to radically streamline the installation process, provide extended consumer functionality and simplify inventory stocking and merchandising.

Automate DS4 Digital Systems offer new and exciting features that will give authorized Automate dealers faster installations which means more vehicles through the bay and increased profits. The available and optional shock/tilt/temperature sensor allows DS4 Digital Systems to provide ultimate protection for the vehicle.

With DS4 technology comes DirectLink, a new proprietary wireless programming connection between the service technician and the system module in the vehicle via the integrated Bluetooth® technology that reduces errors and installation time. DS4 Digital Systems also provide near-range smartphone control for consumers when paired with the Directed SmartStart mobile app.

According to James Turner, SVP Product Development and Technical Services, “Bringing the Automate brand to the DS4 family of products helps support our new car dealer channel with state-of-the-art technology and multiple control options from entry-level to top of the line.”

The product line is based on the DS4AP and the DS4A. The DS4AP feature’s Directed DS4+ technology with on-board relays. The DS4A does not include on-board relays and is appropriate for newer vehicles including many Push-to-Start applications. Additionally, Directed is offering seven different Automate RF kits that run the gamut from entry-level one-button remotes to 1-mile LCD screens.

To learn more about the addition of Automate-branded product to the DS4 family visit www.directed.com/ds4.

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit www.directed.com/contact/becomedealer or call 1-800- 876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart®, Automate® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VISTA, Calif. (July 30, 2018) – Directed today announced further expansion of its DS4 product ecosystem. The DS4, a relay-less version of Directed’s popular DS4+, has launched in Clifford, AstroStart and Autostart brands. DS4 had been previously introduced in the Viper and Automate brands.

The DS4 is ideal for the majority of modern vehicles, which rarely require the integrated remote-start relays of the DS4+, saving dealers and consumers the added expense. The DS4 is a more compact package, with the main module 42 percent smaller than the DS4+. James Turner, SVP, Core Product Management at Directed stated, “Dealers stocking DS4 and DS4+ will have a profitable solution for every vehicle that comes through their doors."

The CES Innovations Award Winning DS4 technology offers advantages for dealers and consumers. For dealers it means a flagship product that is easier and quicker to install thanks to onboard Bluetooth capability, the Directlink app and Directed’s assortment of vehicle platform T-Harnesses. It also means easier inventory management. For consumers, DS4 offers “Driveway Range” Bluetooth control. As consumers see the value of vehicle control with their phone, dealers have the perfect opportunity to explain and upsell the added benefits of a full Directed SmartStart or SmartStart GPS with unbeatable “global range.”

To learn more about this advanced technology, please visit: http://www.directed.com/ds4/.

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit www.directed.com/contact/becomedealer/ or call (800) 876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Patent Covers Vehicle Control System with Bluetooth Control for Technicians and Consumers

VISTA, Calif. (August 8, 2019) – Directed announced today that the United States Patent & Trademark Office has issued the Company a patent for its distinctive DS4 and DS4+ technology.

U.S. Patent No. 10,249,182, titled “Remote vehicle system configuration, control, and telematics,” covers vehicle control system that includes a Bluetooth radio onboard and has the ability to communicate with devices such as tablets or smartphones using that connection.

“This latest patent adds to the impressive intellectual property portfolio Directed has built up over the last thirty years,” said Bob Struble, Directed CEO. “It protects our unique DS4 technology and solidifies Directed’s market leading position. At Directed, innovation is our passion and we are pleased to see the US Patent Office recognize another groundbreaking technology.”

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit www.directed.com/contact/ or call 1-800- 876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart®, Alcohol Detection Systems® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VISTA, Calif. (November 20, 2017) – Directed today announces that Clifford® branded DS4 Digital Systems are now available and shipping, expanding the successful launch of the breakthrough DS4 technology.

Founded in 1976, Clifford® pioneered most of the innovations and features found in today’s remote controlled security systems. DS4 is Directed’s flagship technology and is available in Viper®, Astrostart®, Autostart®, and now Clifford® brands. DS4 Digital Systems simplify and improve the remote start and security experience for consumers, installers, and retailers.

“Our goal in designing DS4 was to create the most powerful system in the industry,” said Directed SVP Product Development & Technical Service James Turner. “Clifford® DS4 opens up this exciting new technology to a broader set of dealers. We’ve focused on protecting all our DS4 dealers. Each DS4 is assigned to a specific account, and our Directechs website is configured so only that account can flash the unit. This is true for all DS4 brands - it’s the most protected product we’ve ever offered.”

The new DS4 Digital Systems feature four key technologies that are integrated into one single and powerful device. Remote start, security, interface, and Bluetooth® all work together seamlessly with the vehicle’s existing systems to enable a connected-car experience like no other.

With DS4 comes DirectLink, a new proprietary wireless programming connection between the installer and the system in the vehicle via integrated Bluetooth® technology, reducing installation time. DS4 systems also provide near-range smartphone control for consumers when paired with the FREE Directed SmartStart mobile app.

DS4 offers new and exciting features that will drive consumers into authorized retailers, and this configurable and expandable inventory reduces cost. DS4 provides faster installations which means more vehicles through the bay, increasing profits. The available and optional shock sensor/tilt sensor/temperature sensor allows DS4 Digital Systems to provide ultimate protection for the vehicle.

To learn more about this advanced technology, please visit www.directed.com/ds4