MILPITAS, Calif., July 9, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPOT LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) and a leader in personal satellite messaging and emergency communications, today announced it has expanded its retail distribution to The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE:PBY), the nation's leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain. Starting today, The Pep Boys will sell the award-winning SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger(tm) in all 560+ locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico as well as online at pepboys.com.
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger(tm) provides users a complete GPS tracking and alert system for those who spend time in the outdoors or on the road traveling. SPOT is the world's first satellite GPS messenger. Because SPOT uses satellite technology, users can send their GPS location coordinates and status message to personal contacts, roadside service providers or an emergency response center regardless of cellular availability. Users can also activate a web-based tracking function which allows the unit to be visually tracked on Google Earth(tm) or Google Maps(tm).
"This marks the company's entrance into the automotive market and we are delighted to partner with Pep Boys in support of our new on-road tracking and assistance service, SPOT Assist Roadside," said Jake Rembert, vice president of sales, SPOT LLC. "The recent launch and availability of SPOT Assist Roadside provides location-based, satellite solutions to a broader, market for everyday use. We look forward to a long standing relationship with Pep Boys and their customers."
SPOT Assist Roadside, is the only portable roadside assistance service that operates solely on satellite communications. Unlike OnStar(r) or other GPS navigation devices that may rely on cellular communications, SPOT Assist Roadside combines GPS and satellite communications technologies to deliver location-based messaging from around town or on rural back roads.
"We selected the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger because we want to offer our customers a reliable, portable, and cost-effective safety solution," said Pep Boy's Electronics Category Manager Michael Martin. "With the timely recent addition of its roadside assistance service, we can introduce this exciting new product to our customers at an ideal time of year, in the height of the summer travel season."
Supported by Nation Safe Drivers, the SPOT Assist Roadside service includes five roadside tows per year, up to 50 miles per tow, auto-accident assistance, fuel delivery services, tire repair, battery services, and lock key and lockout service.
The integration of SPOT Assist Roadside services provides SPOT customers a complete GPS safety system which includes four functions that transmit messages via satellite based on varying levels of need:
* Help notifies the SPOT Assist roadside response center or
others of your GPS location and need for assistance.
* Check In lets contacts know where you are and that you are okay
* Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows
contacts to track your progress using Google Maps(tm)
* Alert 9-1-1 notifies an emergency rescue coordination center
of your GPS location
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger suggested retail price is $169.99 USD. Customers can upgrade their annual basic SPOT service (available at $99.99 per year including unlimited use of Check-in, Help and 9-1-1) to also include SPOT Assist Roadside service for an additional $30 per year. For more information on SPOT Assist visit www.findmespot.com/assist.
About SPOT LLC
The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world's first satellite messenger, uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service call center. SPOT LLC., a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), provides lifesaving communications technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how SPOT LLC. is helping users live to tell about it(SM) - from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes - visit www.findmespot.com.
About Pep Boys
Pep Boys has approximately 6,000 service bays within over 560 retail stores located in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its full-service vehicle maintenance and repair capabilities, the Company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS or by visiting www.pepboys.com.
Notes to Reporters:
High-resolution photos of SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger are available at http://findmespot.com/en/pressroom/.