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.
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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.
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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
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
Remote start maker announces new flagship remote starter with software updatable 2-way LCD remote and up to 6,000 feet of range
JULY 20, 2023 – Seattle, Wash. -- Firstech is pleased to announce the U.S. distribution of the iDatastart HC4.5, a new flagship remote car starter by Automotive Data Solutions (ADS).
The iDatastart HC4.5 (HC4652A) uses LoRa technology to offer an impressive range of up to 6,000 feet, along with an LCD remote that delivers two-way command confirmation and vehicle status in English, French, and Spanish. The ultra-thin LCD remote features a 1.54" TFT display with included screen protectors to keep it free from scuffs and scratches. A 190mAH lithium-ion, USB rechargeable battery powers the device for up to 60 days of use, while the low-power Arm Cortex-M4 MCU with 128kb of flash memory ensures efficient performance.
The remote is the industry’s first to be updateable via Weblink, allowing installers and consumers alike to easily obtain new features and bug fixes via downloadable firmware. Moreover, the iDatastart HC4.5 provides peace of mind by triggering two-way alarm alerts in case of a break-in. It can also be paired with DroneMobile for controlling, monitoring, and tracking a vehicle from a smartphone. The HC4.5 remote starter is the latest co-release by Firstech and ADS, who have a proven history of delivering groundbreaking technologies to the 12-volt industry.
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. As is the case with other iDatastart remote starters, the HC4.5 offers a universal wire harness or optional vehicle-specific t-harnesses for streamlined installation. All iDatastart systems are web-programmable from a phone, tablet, or desktop using the Weblink App and come with free access to detailed installation guides.
The iDatastart HC4.5 is available as a complete remote start system ($449.99 MSRP) or remote upgrade kit ($219.99 MSRP) and is exclusively offered by Firstech and authorized sub-distributors in the U.S.A. Dealers interested in iDatastart HC4.5 and other products can learn more at www.myfirstech.com or www.idatastart.us
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