Magellan(R) RoadMate(TM) First to Offer NAVTEQ Traffic RDS(TM) Capabilities for North America
biz.yahoo.com
Monday May 1, 3:30 pm ET
All Magellan Vehicle Navigation Solutions to Offer Real-Time Traffic in 2006; Magellan TrafficKit(TM) Now Available for the Magellan RoadMate 760 and 700
CHICAGO, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NAVTEQ (NYSE: NVT), a leading global provider of digital map data for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, and Thales' navigation business, leading global innovator of Magellan outdoor and vehicle navigation solutions, announced today that the Magellan RoadMate 760 and 700 portable vehicle navigation solutions are the first to offer NAVTEQ real-time traffic services via NAVTEQ Traffic RDS (Radio Data System). In addition, all Magellan vehicle navigation solutions introduced in 2006 will provide real-time traffic solutions, even entry-level devices, and will provide the one of the most cost-effective real-time traffic solutions on the market.
The subscription-based traffic service is available immediately for the Magellan RoadMate 760 through the purchase of the Magellan TrafficKit(TM) at magellangps.com or from select retailers. The TrafficKit is also compatible with the Magellan RoadMate 700 when customers obtain a software upgrade from the Magellan website.
With NAVTEQ Traffic RDS, these products will help North American customers avoid delays in major metropolitan areas by notifying drivers of traffic flow and incidents along their route and redirecting them when a faster route is available.
"We selected NAVTEQ Traffic RDS because of the reliable data it will deliver to our customers," said Christian Bubenheim, general manager of Thales' consumer business. "Integrating NAVTEQ real-time traffic capabilities with the proven performance of the Magellan RoadMate line provides an advanced routing solution for convenience and flexibility so customers can make informed choices and get to their destination faster without getting lost."
Magellan traffic solutions continuously and wirelessly transmit, via FM frequencies, comprehensive NAVTEQ data from multiple sources across the nation, including commercial traffic data, government departments of transportation, police and emergency services, road sensors, cameras and airborne reports.
"Working together to offer NAVTEQ Traffic RDS to the Magellan RoadMate devices enables us to provide reliable traffic information to an extended customer base and driving audience," commented Winston Guillory, Senior Vice President - Consumer and Business Sales, NAVTEQ. "NAVTEQ is committed to responding to the needs of its customers, and we are thrilled that Magellan has selected NAVTEQ to deliver traffic information via RDS broadcasting."
The Magellan TrafficKit receiver processes the real-time traffic information and displays icons on the Magellan RoadMate map screen to show traffic jams and conditions that impede the normal flow of traffic, such as lane reductions, road construction and accidents. Drivers can choose whether they see all or specific types of incidents, and can learn details about each by touching the associated icon on the screen. Drivers can also receive traffic alerts for informational purposes only, without being rerouted.
The Magellan TrafficKit for the Magellan RoadMate 760 sells for $149, which includes 15 months of traffic service. The TrafficKit for the Magellan RoadMate 800 and 3000T will be available in June for US $149, which includes 15 months of service. Available in May, the Magellan RoadMate 860T will include the TrafficKit and 15 months of service for US $799. The Magellan RoadMate 3050T will ship in June with the TrafficKit included along with three months of service for US $649. Available in July, the Magellan RoadMate 6000T will feature an integrated traffic receiver and will include three months of service for $699.99.
About Thales' navigation business
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group serving defense, aerospace, security and services markets. The Group employs 60,000 people throughout the world and generated revenues of 10.2 billion Euros in 2005.
Thales' navigation business is a global innovator of navigation and positioning solutions. The company markets its Magellan brand GPS products in vehicle navigation and outdoor markets, and its professional GPS and GNSS solutions in the survey, GIS/Mapping, and OEM markets that include consumer electronics, automotive navigation and high-precision applications. Also, through its joint venture with Hertz, Thales Navigation has developed the Hertz NeverLost® vehicle navigation system.
Thales' navigation business is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with European headquarters in Carquefou, France. For more information, visit thalesgroup.com . |
