William R. Reagan, Founder of LoJack Corp., Dies at 78
Canton, Mass. - William R. Reagan, the founder of LoJack Corp. and the LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System passed away on July 1, 2013 at the age of 78.
A former Medfield Police Commissioner and Town Selectman, Reagan founded LoJack and developed its Stolen Vehicle Recovery System to keep police officers and investigators safe during the pursuit and recovery of stolen vehicles. In 1979, a U.S. patent was issued to Reagan for his invention. In 1986, he formed LoJack Corp. and served as the company's inaugural chairman and CEO. Because of the public service focus and impact of Reagan's innovation, LoJack was granted authority to use an FCC frequency for the purpose of tracking stolen vehicles.
"LoJack Corp. exists because of Bill's creative thinking, passion and dedication to keeping law enforcement safe during the tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles," said Randy J. Ortiz, president and CEO of LoJack Corp. "Bill built the foundation that LoJack still stands on today, including our unique and direct integration with law enforcement, as well as the invention of a proven technology platform that has led to the recovery of nearly $4 billion in assets globally."
"Bill's invention has saved the lives of numerous police officers and helped uncover larger crimes well beyond vehicle theft," said Patrick Clancy, vice president of LoJack's internal Law Enforcement Department. "I was fortunate to work with Bill at the Medfield (Mass.) Police Department before joining LoJack. The system that Bill created has become an invaluable resource that allows police officers to recover stolen vehicles with limited risk to them, their fellow officers and the public. I am incredibly proud and honored to have worked for decades with the company that Bill founded."
Reagan's commitment to keep law enforcement officers safe in the pursuit and recovery of stolen vehicles has led to a wireless system that today operates in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and in more than 30 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe and Africa. More than 1,800 law enforcement agencies across the U.S. use LoJack Police Tracking Computers.
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →