Audi And INRIX Collaborate To Launch Connected Real-Time Traffic And Driver Services In Russia

KIRKLAND, Wash., March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- INRIX, a leading provider of traffic information and driver services is launching Russia's first comprehensive traffic information and driver services platform.

In a country with some of the most challenging traffic conditions in the world, Audi is the first automaker to provide advanced real-time traffic information to drivers in Russia. The service is available now on all new and existing Audi models fitted with Audi MMI (3G+) or MIB and Audi connect®.

"In recent years the car market in Russia has been growing faster than the road infrastructure," said Elena Smirnova, Head of Audi Russia. "This is a factor behind Moscow's rating as one of the world's cities most affected by traffic jams. We are delighted that our customers will be the first in Russia to experience INRIX's real-time traffic service and this launch confirms Audi's innovation leadership."

Unlike cities like New York where a robust network of side streets provides drivers with multiple routes to a destination, drivers in Russia are challenged daily with navigating from point A to B on a limited amount of roads increasingly crowded with the country's growing number of vehicles. Two years ago Russia recorded one of the worst traffic jams on record when a December snowstorm hit Moscow bringing traffic and the local economy to a near standstill for several days. At its worst point, traffic on the M-10 between St. Petersburg and Moscow crawled as slow as 5kph (3 mph) for 200 km (125 mi).

"We're constantly pursuing ways to leverage the latest technologies to improve mobility for drivers worldwide, said Rafay Khan, Senior Vice President of Sales and Product, INRIX. "Russia is Europe's second biggest new car market after Germany making traffic-powered navigation critical to improving mobility for the country's 35 million drivers¹."

Developed through an exclusive partnership with Russia's leading navigation services provider cdcom, INRIX XD Traffic in Russia provides real-time traffic and incident information covering more than 236,000 kilometers of roadways across 55 cities – the most comprehensive traffic information service available and the first traffic incident service of its kind in Russia. Other benefits include:

• Comprehensive Coverage: INRIX XD Traffic is the only real-time traffic and incident service in Russia covering every major road type and class from highways, ramps and interchanges to arterials, city streets and other secondary roads.
• Extremely Accurate: Detailed traffic speeds for every kilometer down to 250 meter (800 feet) increments results in improved route guidance to Audi drivers and better insight to transportation agencies for improving the performance of Russia's road networks.
• Advanced Incident Detection & Driver Notification: The only incident service that analyzes traffic flow and incident data together to provide earlier notification to drivers of accidents and other traffic causing delays up ahead. Through sophisticated analysis of anomalies in traffic flows, the service automatically detects and alerts drivers to temporary road closures due to weather and other events in time to find alternative routes.

INRIX Introduces Real-Time Parking & Fuel Services in Russia
INRIX also launched its real-time parking navigation and fuel price services in Russia. INRIX Park provides drivers with the ability to find available parking closest to their destination and compare by distance or price and navigate directly to the entrances of more than 1,250 parking locations in major cities nationwide including Moscow and St. Petersburg. And as of April 2014, INRIX Fuel will provide location and current pricing for more than 6,240 fuel stations in 60 cities across Russia. INRIX continuously monitors and updates these services as new parking and refuelling locations come online.

Notes to editors
¹ Based on the total number of passenger cars in Russia in 2012 according to a report by global automotive analyst firm, Autostat.

About INRIX
INRIX is one of the fastest growing big data technology companies in the world. The company leverages big data analytics to reduce the individual, economic and environmental toll of traffic congestion. Through cutting-edge data intelligence and predictive traffic technologies, INRIX helps leading automakers, fleets, governments and news organizations make it easier for drivers to navigate their world. Our vision is simple – to solve traffic, empower drivers, inform planning and enhance commerce.

Whether through an in-car or smartphone navigation application, a local newscast or our INRIX Traffic app, our up-to-the-minute traffic information and other driver services help more than 150 million drivers save time, fuel and frustration. INRIX delivers traffic and driving-related insight, as well as sophisticated analytical tools and services across six industries covering over four million miles of road in 37 countries. For more information visit us at www.INRIX.com.

SOURCE INRIX