LOKATAG BUILT-IN TOLL READER FOR AFTERMARKET LAUNCHED

I have a Smart Tag that’s been following me for some years now. The bracket that holds the battery in place is partly broken but it still functions so I leave it be.
Every once in a while, the “low battery” beep would sound and shaking or lightly banging it would dispel the annoying *beeping* prompt. I’d know it’s really low when the *beeping* noise doesn’t stop each time I pass a Smart Tag gantry no matter what I do to it – except this time, the *beeping* sound has been going on for the better part of 6-months and for some reason, the Tag still works. I could change the battery but I’m not entirely sure the *beeping* din is due to the battery since it is still working despite it’s *beeping* protest.

So when LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with EFKON, the Austrian technology provider of Malaysia’s nationwide infra-red electronic toll collection system launched the first built-in toll reader for the aftermarket today, I was sorely tempted to get one. Trust me, after living with that beep and as one involved in sales passing god knows how many gantries in the past half year, the LokaTAG built-in toll reader would solve my *beeping* problem.

The LokaTAG is designed to be integrated as part of the vehicle with direct connection to the vehicle’s battery and features a long-lasting back-lit display with card error or low credit alert and is compatible with all vehicle models. Yes, no more 9V batteries to hunt for since you tap power straight from the car. Installation is relatively straightforward and when you purchase one, the installation fee is included for customers in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor.

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The only setback is that it is a bit pricey, costing RM499 a piece (some Touch&Go RFID users would argue RFID is free but this needs payment but I’ll never get an RFID tag until they’ve stabilized the technology and it’s more widely used). In contrast, a portable MaxTag costs less than RM200 and that unit you can easily move between cars.

Except you’d still need a 9V battery to operate that.

Also for those concerned with voiding their vehicle warranty if the installer taps directly to the car’s electrical supply, the LokaTAG also has a 12V cigarette adapter that plugs in to your 12V port, thereby eliminating the need of splicing your vehicle’s wiring. Remove the adapter and your car is back to being stock.

All in all, the choice is yours. For me, I like the “stealthy” look of the antenna and the card dock is usually placed at the bottom of the dashboard so your Touch&Go card remains invisible to outsiders for the most part.

The fact that the RM499 can be split into a 0% Easy Payment Plan scheme (by adding just RM1 to the purchase price) makes this pretty affordable. Ladies, if you complain a Smart Tag reader is too bulky and takes away precious space in your car’s consoles, this is the perfect solution. Men, if your ladies complain your car compartments doesn’t have enough space, this is the perfect solution.

According to EFKON Asia Sdn Bhd director Helmuth Blasch, brisk sales of the MaxTAG since its launch last year and increasing orders from car manufacturers for built-in toll readers proved that the infra-red system retains high preference among highway users due to its proven reliability and efficiency.

“Market response to the portable MaxTAG has been excellent with average monthly sales of about 12,000 units. As for our built-in toll readers, we currently have five major car brands featuring our customised products with more coming on board soon. The combined total monthly sales of the portable and built-in units are about 25,000 units,” he said.

LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd general manager Ng Shyh Kang believes that there is tremendous potential in the untapped aftermarket segment.

“LokaTAG is the first and only authorised built-in toll reader for the aftermarket and we believe there is a high number of car owners who will appreciate the peace of mind and convenience of a seamless ride. For a start, we are targeting sales of about 1,000 units a month,” he said.

Mr Blasch said that EFKON is constantly investing in research and development to enhance the features of the infra-red electronic toll readers, including equipping these devices with Bluetooth connectivity and voice alert capabilities in the future.  Bluetooth connectivity will enable users to interact with the electronic toll reader units using devices such as smartphones and car media systems.

“We expect the infra-red electronic toll collection system to continue playing a significant role in this country for years to come.  It has proven to be the most reliable, efficient, convenient and cost-effective cashless toll collection system in facilitating multi-lane traffic flow on Malaysian highways,” he said.

For me, I just want to get rid of the *beeping* sound once and for all and LokaTAG would be a wonderful option to explore. How *beeping* cool is that!