IRWINDALE, CA, Dec. 10, 1998 (PRIMEZONE) -- Amerigon Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARGAC), announced today that the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department (NMSHTD) has approved Phase III purchase of AmeriGuard(tm) proprietary backup warning systems.
According to NMSHTD's Principal Investigator, Michelle A. Skrupskis, operator evaluations collected during the 16-week Phase II field testing period were "overwhelmingly" positive. Skrupskis said, "The equipped vehicles have had no backup accidents. This research addressed a safety need for both our operators and the travelling public in the state. NMSHTD operates a fleet of approximately 5,000 vehicles and operators would like to see the devices applied universally."
Amerigon Chairman and Chief Executive, Lon E. Bell, said, "The AmeriGuard(tm) backup system is unlike anything on the market today. Because it incorporates radar technology, it is much less vulnerable to environmental factors such as dirt, snow, rain and mud that interfere with ultrasonic backup warning systems. We believe that this unique feature will prove to be a distinct competitive advantage as we begin to market the product. Based upon the success that we have achieved thus far in New Mexico, we have received substantial interest in the product from other state D.O.T.s as well as from both private companies and other public entities."
Amerigon is also commercializing the AmeriGuard(tm) Radar Technology for automotive Backup Warning Systems and Lane Change Aide applications. Demonstration contracts are ongoing with automobile and truck OEMs. Amerigon, an emerging player in the global automotive industry, develops and markets proprietary high-technology products for the automotive original equipment market. In addition to the AmeriGuard(tm) Radar System, the company's products include its proprietary Climate Control Seat(tm) (CCS(tm)) system. The CCS(tm) system is the world's first active temperature control system for motor vehicle seats, offering heating, cooling and ventilation.
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, demand for the Company's products, uncertainties in the development of high technology products, risks and delays in obtaining customer orders, technological change, competition and other risks and uncertainties that are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed by it with the Securities and Exchange Commission.