Is there a device on the market yet for the consumer that will assist
people in locating their cars in a large parking lot such as the
airport or mall when they have forgotten where they parked?    I know
the technology exists such as in GPS, because some of the big
amusement parks have them for lost cars and lost children.  There is a
huge demand for the public and I personally know a number of people
who would want one today as long as it is affordable, compact, and easy to
use. Who is developing these devices and where can they be purchased?

hi bella_aria, (...'Giovanni' ???)
Last week on tv they showed the James Bond film, "Tomorrow Never
Dies", and I remembered the clip where Bond activates and drives his
car by remote control in the parking lot, using his 'modified'
Ericsson mobile phone! Just for fun, here's a pic of the scene in the
movie:
http://www.jamesbondmm.co.uk/qdepartment/phone_remote.html 
 
I have found several products designed to help one to locate their car
(though perhaps not quite as sophisticated as 'Q's gadgetry)
...........................................................
 
Vehicle Seek/Find Locator 
"The Vehicle Seek/Find Locator is a unique device that helps you spot
your car in seconds so you can quickly be on your way home. It
consists of a small transmitter, similar to a remote garage door
opener, that can be carried in your purse or pocket while away from
the car.
When you're ready to find your car, just push the button on the
transmitter which sends an electronic signal to the car. Next, listen
for your car's horn and watch for the bright light flashing just above
your car's roof, which guides you directly to your car from up to 1/4
mile away (this range can be increased). If you're in an enclosed
parking structure and hear the horn, but don't see the light, then you
know you're on wrong floor. Thus, it also directs you to the correct
floor."
http://www.inventionconnection.com/BOOTHS/booth203.html
 
Inventor is seeking: 
Licensee to manufacture and distribute the product.
Note: Product is patented. 
 
Contact: John Bullock 	
Title: Inventor/Patentee
Organization: JB's Car Finder Corporation 
Address: 6129 Burnt Hills Drive Las Vegas, NV 89130 
Phone: 702 396-0043 
e-mail: pjbull@lvcm.com 
...........................................................
 
Digital Parking Timer
"You never need to worry when and where you park your car again.
This little gadget will always remind you before the parking meter
runs out. To help you find your car again, this little gadget can
store the level, row and space where you parked. It has a big bold,
easy to read L.C.D. screen for when your ready to retrieve your car."
Price: £12.95
http://www.gadgetwizard.com/product_info.php/products_id/31
...........................................................
 
Meter Made (temporarily unavailable)
"Can’t find your car in the supermarket parking lot again? You better
get the Parking Caddy ($19.99@ www.parkingcaddy.com ), a little gadget
guaranteed to save you time and face. The less nerdy alternative to
tying a bright-colored ribbon to your SUV’s antenna in a crowded
parking lot, this electronic device allows you to program the lot
number, level, row, direction and exact spot of your parked car in
seconds. Its egg-shaped, palm-sized frame easily slips into your
pocket or attaches to your key chain. The Parking Caddy even
synchronizes with your parking meter—so you know exactly when to feed
the metal monster more quarters."
http://www.hawaiibusiness.cc/hb12001/default.cfm?articleid=10
http://www.parkingcaddy.com
...........................................................
  
Smart Alarm Professional Series (with Car Finder feature)
"Summary: The first alarm designed to protect you and your car. 
How It Works: There are three color coded buttons on the transmitter.
The GREEN button locks and unlocks the doors. The RED button controls
the CarFinder and panic alarm. The YELLOW button controls the
headlights remotely and opens the trunk.
Features:
Protects You
*	Panic Alarm: lets you call for help in unsafe situations. 
*	Remote Headlight Control: lights the way to your car at night. 
*	Anti carjacking feature 
*	CarFinder®: helps you to find your car in large parking lots or
crowded areas. "
Online Price:$69.95
http://www.gizmocity.com/sa.html
...........................................................
 
Search strategy:
-- Keywords used (www.Google.com)
"find your car" "parking lot"
invention "find your car"
"find your car device"
gadgets "find your car"
...........................................................
 
I hope you find the above information useful.
If any part of the answer is unclear, please ask for clarification
before giving your rating.
If you're satisfied with the answer, please rate answer accordingly as
it helps us to improve or maintain the service we give you.
Thanks.
--chow bella!

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Request for Answer Clarification by bella_aria-ga on 21 Jan 2003 07:46 PST

The first item is close, but not marketed yet.  A few of the items are
gizmos that have to be programmed and just store the numerical
coordinates of where the car is parked.  There was very little info on
one of the items that was associated with the panic button.  The item
I am looking for must be easy to use by elderly people to help them
locate their cars when they can find them, like a compass perhaps. 
Elderly people don't always hear very well.  The item should not rely
on a honking horn.  I wonder if there are any consumer reports or
evaluations on a really quality item for baby boomers and their
parents :)  Thank you.

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Clarification of Answer by jackburton-ga on 11 Mar 2003 07:40 PST

CAR SECULATOR
"An easily installed car security alarm with a remote locating system.
Easily operated arm or disarm function via the remote. Loud 100 dB
high pitch siren. Locate your car by finding the item's flashing
lights. Trigger the alarm by a remote up to 100 feet away. Battery:
main unit - 3 AA (Alkaline), remote - 1 A23 12V (Alkaline)"
http://www.wellmike.com/car.htm
http://www.wellmike.com/products%20images/DX-4310.htm

One of the greatest "devices" ever known to humankind, which has
always found my vehicle and hopefully my next one will have the same
ability to do this. This device works in any weather, under any
operating conditions, in the mountains, in the desert, on the plains.
It requires a bit of "maintence" and most of the time, it works. OK,
now I know it's not pratical to take the "device" everywhere you
travel, but when you do, it's very happy to come with with you, it's a
"dog" ;)

http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/GPS_20Mall_20Car_20finder