LoJack

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System
TypeStolen Vehicle Recovery System
InventorWilliam Reagan
Inception1986 (1986)
ManufacturerSpireon
Websitelojack.com

LoJack, also known as LoJack by Spireon, is a stolen vehicle recovery system that utilizes GPS to locate users' vehicles from an accompanying app. Dealers can also check battery and inventory status, manage lots, and send targeted marketing campaigns to customers.

History[]

The LoJack system was created and patented in 1979 by William Reagan, a former Medfield, Massachusetts police commissioner, who went on to establish LoJack Corporation in Medfield. Reagan served as the company's first CEO and Chairman.[1] The name "LoJack" was coined to be the "antithesis of hijack", wherein "hijack" refers to the theft of a vehicle through force.

In 1998, the company began offering its tracking system to the heavy machinery and construction industry, including entering into an agreement with Caterpillar.[2]

In March 2012, the company moved its headquarters to Canton, Massachusetts.[3]

By 2013, the LoJack system was reportedly operating in 28 states and the District of Columbia and in more than 30 countries. The company reported that more than 1,800 U.S. law enforcement agencies had LoJack tracking computers in their police vehicles.[1] In November 2013, the company announced they were expanding tracking capabilities to parents, auto makers and insurance companies.[4]

In March 2016, the company was acquired for $134 million by CalAmp, an Irvine, California-based provider of Internet of things (IoT) software applications, cloud services, data intelligence and telematics products and services.[5]

On March 16, 2021, vehicle intelligence company Spireon announced that it had acquired the LoJack U.S. Stolen Vehicle Recovery business from CalAmp, joining LoJack users with "nearly 4 million active subscribers from over 20,000 current Spireon customers".[6] CalAmp would still retain and continue to expand LoJack International, which operates as a subscription-based SaaS business, while also retaining ownership of the LoJack patents and trademarks.

Functionality[]

The core of the LoJack system is a small hardware device that utilizes GPS technology to locate vehicles without wasting the car battery. Integrated with PSAP, users can quickly contact the corresponding police department in the event of vehicle theft and recover their vehicles within 26 minutes of reporting the crime.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "LoJack Founder William Reagan, 78, Passes Away". twice.com. 2013-07-08. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
  2. ^ "LoJack Corporation History". fundinguniverse.com. Retrieved 2018-09-05.
  3. ^ "LoJack secure in its new home in Canton". patriotledger.com. 2012-03-09. Retrieved 2018-09-05.
  4. ^ "LoJack system will allow parents, auto makers and insurance companies to track vehicles". computerworld.com. 2013-11-25. Retrieved 2018-09-05.
  5. ^ "LoJack Agrees to $134 Million Sale to CalAmp". wsj.com. 2016-02-01. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
  6. ^ "Spireon Acquires CalAmp's LoJack® U.S. Stolen Vehicle Recovery Business". prnewswire.com. 2021-03-16. Retrieved 2021-08-06.
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