Jan 1, 2003 12:00 PM, [Compiled by Gary Macklin • gmacklin@primediabusiness.com]

Concentrax Inc, a provider of vehicle monitoring services and technologies, has linked a biometric authentication device to its Track-Down vehicle locating unit and has launched its Voice Command Center (VCC) Version 1.0.

The biometric device linked to the Track-Down unit will only allow authorized drivers to start and operate potentially dangerous vehicles. Any attempt to start the vehicle by an unauthorized driver will disable the starter, and the Track-Down unit will immediately report the unauthorized attempt to the customer's monitoring facility.

The VCC is totally automated and uses a proprietary text-to-speech engine that allows customers to locate their vehicles, monitor specific vehicle systems, disable a starter, and unlock doors.