LaneFX is not like blind spot mirrors. It's only a mobile electronics system that moves your power mirrors in lane changes and merges.

HOME: Are you looking for a great technology or auto safety story idea? Look no further than the award-winning LaneFX and ParkFX auto safety systems. LaneFX is an industry-leading auto safety and lane change blind spot mirror technology. But at the same time, it makes for a great new gadget story because it addresses a problem that every driver out there can identify with. So go ahead! Download our LaneFX Media Kit and get your thought-starters instantly. Plus, be sure to check out the LaneFX auto safety DVD (also available in streaming video) and experience LaneFX in its natural habitat: America's highways. LaneFX: It's much more than a blind spot mirror, much more than a car gadget!

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Drivaware announces LaneFX - The First Active Blind Spot Exposure System

Ann Arbor, Mich., June 5, 2006 - Drivaware® Inc. today announced the production release and immediate availability of  its debut driver awareness product: LaneFX™.  LaneFX® is an innovative automotive product that transforms a vehicle's power side mirrors into an on-demand Active Blind Spot Exposure System.

Whenever a turn signal is activated, or at the press of a button, LaneFX® moves the corresponding power mirror outward to sweep and expose the vehicle's blind spot. It pauses long enough for the driver to scan for any objects that may be lurking in the blind spot zone. Then, it reliably returns the power side mirror back to its original, driver-set position.
LaneFX™'s Patent Pending technology is designed from the ground up to be entirely universal. LaneFX® works with any vehicle equipped with power mirrors, new or pre-owned, domestic or import, including the most ECU-intensive and multiplexed vehicles on the market today. LaneFX® is packed with driver awareness features and is highly-customizable to the driver's preferences. Drivers can personalize how far each mirror expands, how long it pauses, and how fast it should move altogether. All customizations can be made separately to the driver-side and passenger-side power mirrors.
Khaled Malhas, Drivaware Founder & President said: "According to NHTSA, 1 out of 25 collisions on America's highways today is due to improper lane changes/merges. Further, J.D. Power & Associates has reported that blind spot systems were the second-most requested automotive technology by consumers in 2005. We recognized that the driver awareness / lane change segment is gaining significant momentum. As a result, we designed LaneFX® as a sensor-less blind spot exposure system that is truly universal and that we can drive through multiple channels including: auto dealers, mobile electronics / aftermarket retailers, as well as the OEM and tier-1 supplier channel."

"We're always looking for added revenue opportunities from a every vehicle sale." says Jeff Scott, Principal and General Manager, Dick Scott Automotive Group based in metro Detroit, Mich., "it's always challenging to introduce aftermarket products after a customer has decided on a vehicle. We signed on with the LaneFX® Pilot Dealer Program because I was impressed with how simply the product can be demonstrated to vehicle buyers and how quickly our customers see value in its impact on their daily commute."

"We've all been taught to turn our heads away from the traffic ahead to check our blind spot. During an average blind spot check, a vehicle travels more than half of a football field, unattended!" adds Khaled Malhas, "With LaneFX™, we allow drivers to stay focused on the road ahead while showing the contents of their blind spot zone using a comfortable, familiar interface: The vehicle's side mirror."

In recently-announced OEM blind spot detection systems (such as ValeoRaytheon Systems' LaneVueT and Volvo's BLIST systems), a computer and a sensor make the critical decision on whether an object is present in the blind spot zone. Further, such systems report these results through an interface that is entirely new to the driver. In contrast, LaneFX® is a blind spot exposure system, not a detector. LaneFX® simply exposes the contents of the blind spot zone to drivers allowing them to make their own informed driving decisions. By using the vehicle's power side mirror, drivers use a familiar interface that has no learning curve as it is already associated with the act of changing lanes. 

LaneFX® is available now through select auto dealers, aftermarket retailers and directly through LaneFX.com. The current production release of the LaneFX® product line features a number of Patent Pending innovations, including:

1. Mirror Speed Boost: safely accelerates power mirror motor speeds up to 200% of OEM speed for maximum responsiveness,

2. Turn Signal Link: with "Normal" and "Sticky" turn signal modes to suit any driving style,

3. Merge Mode: holds a mirror outward for as long as the driver needs to merge into traffic,

4. Intelligent Installs Technology: LaneFX® can self-learn the electrical configuration of the host vehicle with no need for complex programming,

5. ParkFX - Park Assist & Curb Exposure System: tilts one or both side mirrors downwards when the vehicle is engaged in reverse, and

6. "Mirror-in-Motion" LED indicators.

Drivaware Inc. was founded in 2004 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Drivaware's mission is to produce safe, innovative automotive technologies that enhance drivers' focus and alleviate common anxieties associated with driving a motor vehicle. In addition to LaneFX® and ParkFX, Drivaware's debut product line includes: LaneXRT (featuring eXtended Reflection: The first electrochromatic blind spot exposure system for OEM application), and BrakeFX, the first emergency braking awareness system.




Media Contacts:

Kimberly Simpson
Drivaware Inc.
+1.734.649.3949
kimberly.simpson@drivaware.com

 

website:   www.LaneFX.com
Press Room:   www.LaneFX.com/pressRoom
Interactive Demo:   www.LaneFX.com/demo

 

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LaneFX is More Than Just a Car Gadget

blind spot use with TomTomMany of the latest car models include systems that alert you when a car is in your blind spot. Those of us with older autos have had rely on our own road skills -- until now. Drivaware has introduced LaneFX: When you activate your turn signal, the device moves the corresponding side-view mirror to expose your blind spot and any vehicles that may be hiding in it. Of course, if you remember your driver's training, a quick glance over your shoulder does essentially the same thing. The LaneFX is compatible with any car that has power mirrors and is available in a Basic Edition ($197), Highway Edition ($242) and Commuter Edition ($296).

Better than some automakers "detectors"

LaneFX actually shows you what's lurking in your blind spot!

  1. Change lanes safely: Always use your turn signal before changing lanes or merging into highway traffic lanes. Turn signal aftermarket power mirrors are great, but they still don't give you complete coverage of the cars in your blind spot.
  2. LaneFX is the best automotive technology for your auto safety.
  3. Unlike some automakers' systems, Lane FX has no blinking lights, no false positives, and no learning curve. It uses what you normally use: your vehicle's side mirror!
  4. Perfect for new drivers with learner's permit. Don't take the DMV driver license test without it!
  5. Volvo XC90, S80 and Audi Q7 blind spot detectors can't match LaneFX. In each of these systems, the blinking lights in your blind spot mirrors can get very distracting.
  6. LaneScan is a good solution for semi-trucks, but for your commercial van fleet LaneFX is the clear solution because of its OEM compatibility.
  7. Lane FX Fleet Edition now available for light and medium duty commercial trucks and vans. It's preferred 2-to-1 by commercial fleet managers over the LaneScan Go Zone system.
  8. AARP: helps senior drivers avoid fatal accidents by advocating proper turn signal use and and 100% checking of senior driver's blind spot.

Compare Backup Sensors & Cameras to ParkFX for the Most Reliable Backup Warning Technology

Not all reversing aids are equal. The sensing technology and the indicating method are critical to your driving safety.

How A Park Assist System Alerts You

One option is video, which at first seems like a great choice. But one major flaw with having a video camera affixed to the back of your car with a monitor on your dashboard is that it also forces you to look forward while backing up. That can disturb your perception, your reaction time, and feel very unnatural. They are also extremely expensive, and you'll pay thousands of dollars to have a video system attached to your car, whether from the dealer or an aftermarket supplier.

Compare that to other bargain basement devices which actually have LED displays (little red lights) on your dashboard. These are cumbersome -- almost useless -- for much the same reason as video: when you drive in reverse, you naturally look behind you, and you'll never see the little red lights. They are also hard to read in bright sunlight.

Some other bargain technologies use a tone which beeps more rapidly as you get closer to an obstacle. You can at least hear the relative distance just by listening to the beeps, but you have to practice a bit to really understand how far you are from danger.

That's why an audible voice sensor is best. It tells you in a spoken voice exactly how far away you are. Not only do you not have to awkwardly look forward at your dashboard, you'll know without guessing how much further you can safely back up.

How A Reversing Aid Detects Objects

If you've never seen or used a reversing aid, you might be surprised at how technically advanced they actually can be.

Reversing aids use a variety of technologies to sense an object behind the car. Some units use Doppler radar, and others use infrared sensors, but by far the most accurate method of detection is the one the U.S. Navy uses on its submarines: sonar.

Sonar can operate in any weather, including direct sunlight or rain. And it doesn't require that the car be moving in order to sense an obstruction.

LATEST NEWS: "Drivaware Releases Preliminary Consumer Survey on Driver Blind Spot Awareness"

Study shows cell phone use decreases driver likelihood to check vehicle's blind spots

Thursday November 12, 7:20 pm ET

ANN ARBOR , Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Drivaware inc. reported on Friday its preliminary findings on the impact of cell phone use and driver's checking of blind spot zones prior to changing lanes. Based on a survey of 231 participants, survey results show that drivers talking on a cell phone were 52% less likely to (manually) check their blind spot prior to changing lanes. Study further shows that same drivers using a more advanced form of blind spot exposure (such as Drivawar's LaneFX) were only 18% less likely to check their blind spot prior to changing lanes when they are using a cell phone. The benefits of new auto safety technologies such as LaneFX is that it is positively improving drivers' on-road awareness despite the increasing number of in-cabin driver distractions. Drivaware inc. indicated that the complete study findings will be published in October of this year. -KAS 09/21/2006

Steering Wheels Get More and More Buttons

The steering wheel is quickly become the control center for the entire vehicle. Auto manufacturer's are using the steering wheel to add new buttons and controls for everything from controlling the radio to switching gears. USA Today reports that many cars already have 10 to 15 different buttons on the steering wheel:

The fingertip frenzy isn't just about luxury cars, either. Sure, the $73,750 Range Rover SUV offers 10 buttons or toggles, not including the horn. And the $49,100 Acura RL sedan has 16, in addition to two thumb paddles for manually changing gears. But Toyota's humble — albeit fully-loaded — $26,040 Prius gas-electric hybrid sedan includes 15 places to mash a thumb into the steering wheel.

Automakers say the buttons help motorists keep their fingers on the wheel instead of having to fiddle with dials and knobs on the dashboard, making driving safer.
Many more steering wheel control buttons are expected in future vehicles. USA Today's article said the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class will "let drivers control the volume and play list of their Apple iPod digital music players from the steering wheel." But voice commands are coming as well which may make these buttons less important. Why press a button when you can just say "Window Washers On. Maximum Speed." Auto manufacturers will have to caution to keep these steering wheel buttons and voice commands from getting out of hand.

LaneFX is Leading the Way for Auto Safety and Driver Awareness Everyday

Drive Safer With the Drivaware LaneFX: lanefx.jpgMost of the time, when consumer electronics meet the automotive world, you get more stereo options and DVD players in the back seat. Drivaware has something a little more useful: the LaneFX, a controller than connects your power mirrors to your turn signals, so that when you signal (you do signal before you turn, right?), your mirrors swivel outward so that you can see your blind spot. Hey, if this keeps just one cyclist out of the hospital, I’m happy.

Derik’s Thoughts: Geeky and useful. Double threat!


Buy LaneFX

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Accessories & Add-On's
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FEATURES & OPTIONS

Standard Features Interactive List
Standard Features Printable List
Turn Signal Link
ParkFX
Mirror Speed Boost
Instant Web Upgrades
Accessories & Add-On's Multi-Vehicle Kit
Accessories & Add-On's End-of-Lease Kit
Accessories & Add-On's Parts Bin

BLIND SPOT INFO

About Drivaware Inc.
Press Room[ and Media Library ]
Press Room[ and Media Library ] LaneFX TV
Press Room[ and Media Library ] Press Releases
Investors Forum
New Car Dealers
Aftermarket Retailers & Distributors
Auto OEM's
Trading Partner Login [ Restricted Access ]

FEATURED AUTO SAFETY ARTICLES & OTHER LINKS FOR SAFE LANE CHANGES

LaneFX is Safe for Leased Vehicles
LaneFX Voted #1 Driver Awareness Technology by BlindSpotSystems.com

HOW TO CHANGE LANES SAFELY WITH LANEFX

LaneFX Demo

Virtual LaneFX Tour
Top 10 Ways Drivers Use LaneFX
LaneFX Moments
Blind Spot Challenge / Driver Awareness Index Study
Driver Safety Surveys

COMPARE LATEST 12-VOLT CAR GADGETS

Competitive Comparisons
Why LaneFX is Right For You
Compare LaneFX
10 Reasons to Replace Your Stick-On Convex Auxilliary Mirrors with LaneFX
Independent Research Studies Stress the Importance of Safer Lane Changes

CONTACT OUR EXPERT DRIVERS ED INSTRUCTORS

Contact Us
Support Central
Owners Guide
Installation Guide
Warranty & Return Policy
Contact Technical Support
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ Printer Friendly Version
Tell A Friend About LaneFX
Drivaware Corporate Info
AARP: Safe Driving Tips for Senior Drivers
LaneFX Site Map Site MapLaneFX Site Map Drivaware Corporate Gateway CorporateDrivaware Corporate Gateway Chat with LaneFX Safety Team Customer ServiceContact Customer Service View Shopping Cart / Checkout Shopping Cart
LaneFX is proudly made in the USA using US-sourced components MADE IN U.S.A. Drivaware reminds you to always wear your seatbelt, exercise caution when merging or changing lanes, obey all traffic laws and always rely on your primary senses in making driving decisions. Drivaware and LaneFX are trademarks of Drivaware Inc. Patents Pending. Copyright © 2006-09. All rights reserved. Drivaware Inc. 1756 Plymouth Rd., Suite #500, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA.
Before your write your article or news piece, why not test drive LaneFX and experience it first-hand in its natural habitat: America's highways.

Our marketing and PR teams would like to extend you any assistance during your LaneFX review. Choose from the following services or, as always, you can contact us directly, anytime.
 

 
The best way to get a personal quote that's specific to your article's topic. We can schedule telephone, video conference or in-person interviews quickly and around your schedule and story deadline.
 
   
We have a fleet of demo LaneFX vehicles available to you at anytime. We can usually have a vehicle to your US locations within 3 business days (up to 5 for west coast locations). Our fleet is made up of both domestic and import vehicles in case your publication has a preference.
 

   
We can provide you with a complementary LaneFX system. We also offer complimentary installation services through one of our Certified Installation Centers.
 

 
new auto safety technology in recent magazine issues
 
     
LaneFX advertisement - Mobile Electronics Magazine available in low res [PDF, current]
   
auto safety reporting - short story
LaneFX advertisement - Mobile Electronics Magazine available in low res [PDF, undated]
   
 
 
  LaneFX brochure  
LaneFX Point Of Purchase (POP) Ad available in low res [PDF, undated]

 

 


 
 
     
Download the LaneFX consumer brochure and see how LaneFX's safety and awareness benefits are making sense to drivers everyday.  
   
LaneFX Consumer Brochure
Download the LaneFX Pilot Dealer Program brochure and see how LaneFX is driving more revenues to auto dealerships today.  
   
 
Exclusive LaneFX product preview DVD now available in streaming video
 
 

LaneFX design team

auto dealers

aftermarket installers

industry experts


Join the Drivaware team at the legendary Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan for this exclusive insider look at the LaneFX system. We invite you to observe LaneFX in its natural habitat: America’s highways and to see how it responds to drivers’ needs in real-time. Next to test driving LaneFX in rush hour traffic for the first time, this streaming DVD video is an excellent, engaging way to experience the extensive innovation that Drivaware has put into designing LaneFX. Plus get direct quotes and prospectives from auto dealers, aftermarket installers, the LaneFX product design team as well as auto industry insiders on the future of this new invention.

click on any video clip to begin viewing streaming DVD video.

If you would like a copy of the LaneFX Product Preview DVD, please contact us and give us with your mailing address.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LaneFX Product Image 1
Aerial view against perforated automotive leather

hi res 300dpi 19.3Mb or low res 72dpi 1.1Mb

LaneFX Product Image 2
Aerial view against brushed aluminum automotive center console

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LaneFX Product Image 3
Center view against brushed aluminum automotive center console and shifter

hi res 300dpi 15.3Mb or low res 72dpi 0.9Mb

LaneFX Product Image 4 - No Background Perspective view against against clear background layer

hi res 300dpi 21.8Mb or low res 72dpi 1.3Mb or editable Photoshop layers file

LaneFX Product Image 5 - No Background
Aerial view against clear background layer in
editable Photoshop format

hi res PSD 300dpi 18.8Mb or low res 72dpi 1.1Mb or editable Photoshop layers file