Inova Is Latest Collaboration from UpLink, Club Car
AUGUSTA, GA (Dec. 1, 2005) – Club Car, a business of Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited, a diversified industrial firm, announced that 2006 model year Precedent golf cars will feature the industry’s first in-dash, totally integrated GPS system, providing easier viewing for golfers and additional management and communications capabilities for golf courses.
The Inovaâ?¢ system, the only integrated GPS and satellite golf car control system, was developed by UpLink Corp. in collaboration with Club Car. The system is available exclusively on Precedent golf cars.
Golfers might not confuse Inova’s wide-screen technology and enhanced audio capabilities with the latest flicks showing at the local multiplex, but they’ll have to admit this isn’t their grandfather’s GPS system, either.
"Inova positions GPS as an integral part of the golf car," said Phil Tralies, president and CEO of Club Car. "It’s a complementary system that improves both the golfer’s experience and course-management capabilities."
Glenn Pierce, president and CEO of Austin, Texas-based UpLink, said: "GPS systems have gradually evolved to this point, but Inova represents a revolutionary leap in technology. It reinforces GPS as a critical course-management tool that improves course profitability."
By moving the GPS display from the traditional canopy-mounted position to the dash area of the golf car, the wider full-color monitor is easily viewed from any angle, even outside the golf car. Golfers participating in tournaments and outings also will
appreciate the new leaderboard feature, which provides scores and course position for the entire field.
In addition, the system’s multi-media capabilities enable the course to customize event-specific audio and visual messages, as well as advertising and food-and-beverage menu items for multiple outings occurring on the same day. A zooming function shows different course and hole perspectives, and pop-up pro tips have been integrated more effectively into the display.
The Inova system, which requires less maintenance and installation time than canopy-mounted units, was installed at several courses throughout the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2005 for testing purposes. It is now available at any course featuring Precedent golf cars.
Club Car, Inc. provides fleet, turf, hospitality and financing solutions for golf, agricultural, recreational and industrial markets. Based in Augusta, Ga., Club Car is part of
worldwide Ingersoll-Rand (NYSE: IR, www.irco.com). In addition to Club Car, IR’s diverse
product portfolio includes such leading industrial brands as Schlage locks and security systems, Thermo King transport temperature control equipment, Hussmann commercial and retail refrigeration equipment, Bobcat compact equipment, PowerWorks microturbines and Kryptonite locks. For more information on Club Car, go to www.clubcar.com.
About UpLink
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with regional offices throughout the United States, UpLink Corp. has the industry’s fastest growing base of wireless GPS course installations. UpLink’s solutions help courses increase revenue, reduce costs and improve customer service by attracting and retaining golfers. UpLink’s founders developed the patent that enables GPS on golf courses, and UpLink owns the exclusive rights to the patents that permit advertising and sponsorships (considered the largest single untapped source of revenue available to courses today) on all GPS systems used at golf facilities. For more information on UpLink, visit www.uplinkgolf.com or call 1-877-787-5465.
Contact:
Bill Bryant
678-366-3232
bbryant@bryantmarcomm.com
Mike Read, Club Car
800-227-0739 (Ext. 2615)
