TomTom, the world's largest navigation solution provider, has
developed the world's first portable navigation device which can be
embedded into vehicles through the dashboard or the radio. The unit
will be in the market from Summer 2007.
Car manufacturers have encountered difficulties in developing
integrated satellite navigation systems that meet consumer demands for
cost effective, easy to use and updateable navigation that features
the latest innovations the industry has to offer.
TomTom's innovative offering will see TomTom partner with car
manufacturers and their suppliers to create new, smart ways to
customise its award winning navigation technology into the look and
functions of their cars. The TomTom units can be coupled with a radio,
infotainment head unit, or built directly into the dashboard.
Using TomTom's patented technology, the touchscreen on the device
can be used as an interface to the car's entire entertainment system.
Regardless of whether the TomTom device is built into a radio or a
dashboard, a driver can control the radio via the touchscreen and the
TomTom device will provide full audio integration with the car playing
CDs and MP3s at Hi-Fi stereo quality, as well as spoken instructions
and phone calls all via the car speakers.
Additionally, the TomTom device can be connected to the vehicle
BUS system and sensors, such as speed impulse for enhanced
functionalities.
Compared to traditional embedded navigation systems, the TomTom
offering will have the following benefits:
-- The user experience is improved as the unit is entirely
portable and can be used in any other vehicle as a result of a
built in battery and speaker, while remaining nicely
integrated in the vehicle.
-- TomTom's offering is very affordable for end customers.
-- The unit can always be easily updated and upgraded to keep
pace with the latest, fast moving consumer electronics
technologies.
-- All content and services provided by TomTom's unique PLUS
offering are available for this embedded system as well,
managed through TomTom HOME. TomTom HOME is TomTom's free
software application enabling users to manage, download, store
and transfer content from their computer onto their TomTom
device.
Customers can enjoy easy control and functional benefits such as:
hands free calling, iPod control, MP3 playback, control of the radio
and CD player, synchronised radio volume controls and no wires, as
power is taken from the car directly.
"For the first time, the automotive industry can truly participate
in the huge growth of the portable navigation device market by taking
advantage of TomTom's expertise. This marks an industry first that we
can now bring an affordable and practical solution to the automotive
manufacturers and their suppliers to provide integrated, portable
navigation to its customers," Harold Goddijn, TomTom's chief executive
officer comments.
This unique offering is an example of how TomTom's is expanding
its offerings by working on solutions with the automotive industry
that bring the best of both the consumer electronics world and the
automotive world together. TomTom is able to offer innovative,
affordable, easy-to-use navigation that is always updateable and
upgradeable for the automotive industry.
TomTom and Fujitsu-TEN, an innovative manufacturer of products
which enhance the in-car theatre entertainment and information
experience, have developed the first embedded double-DIN radio
navigation unit to feature a PND - the Eclipse AVN2210p which provides
in-dash portable navigation with a CD/USB multi-source receiver. (See
separate press release).
In case of any discrepancy between this press release and the
original English version, the English version prevails.
About TomTom
TomTom NV is the world's largest navigation solution
provider. TomTom's products are developed with an emphasis on
innovation, quality, ease of use and value. TomTom's products include
all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right
out of the box; these are the award-winning TomTom GO family, the
TomTom ONE range and the TomTom RIDER. TomTom PLUS, is the
location-based content and services offering for TomTom's navigation
products easily available through TomTom HOME. TomTom also provides
navigation software products which integrate with third party devices;
the TomTom NAVIGATOR software for PDA's and smartphones. TomTom WORK
combines industry leading communication and smart navigation
technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise. TomTom's
products are sold through a network of leading retailers in 25
countries and online. TomTom was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has
offices in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. TomTom is listed at
Euronext, Amsterdam Stock Exchange in The Netherlands. For more
information, go to www.tomtom.com.
