NAVTEQ Awarded In-Vehicle Business by TechniSat Digital GmbH

GENEVA, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world has reached a three year agreement with TechniSat Digital GmbH to supply map data and content for the company's in-vehicle navigation systems. NAVTEQ will also produce and distribute map updates and the two companies will co-operate on marketing initiatives such as sales support collateral and dealer training.

The first auto brands to benefit from this co-operation will be Volkswagen and Seat – the RNS315 navigation system is manufactured by TechniSat and available in 17 different car models across two continents. Initially, map data for Western Europe and North America will be offered with plans to extend into South America and Eastern Europe during 2011.

The NAVTEQ content provided includes Fuel Types and Speed Limits – the latter top ranked content among consumers, according to recent NAVTEQ research.*  Fuel Types content supplies information on the location and range of fuel offered by service stations. This data is particularly helpful to drivers of hybrid and other lower-emission passenger or light commercial vehicles trying to locate specific varieties of fuel which may not yet have wide distribution. In general, it enables more precise search and destination selection for all fuel types. Speed Limits data enables the navigation system to calculate more accurate times of arrival and also warns the driver of an upcoming change in the maximum allowed speed.

*NAVTEQ Feature Appeal Study 2010

With a five inch TFT touchscreen, the RNS315 is an extensive infotainment device offering integrated handsfree facilities for mobile phones and Bluetooth connectivity*. The map data is pre-installed on its integrated flash memory and navigation can be safely controlled via the multifunctional steering wheel*. The high performance processor provides fast and precise route calculation. In addition the RNS315 is equipped with a DAB+ receiver (Digital Audio Broadcast+) for the reception of digital radio programs or with a satellite radio module (Sirius XM) for the reception of more than 200 satellite radio channels.* Destination entry has been optimized enabling entry of address, postcode or free search via POI and the high performance processor provides fast and precise route calculation.  

* Dependent on vehicle features

"Our choice of supplier was based on the quality and diversity of services offered by NAVTEQ and the company's growing coverage and strength in emerging markets," explained Jorg Demmerrath, Managing Director, TechniSat Elektronik Thuringen GmbH. "This agreement will take us into new territories and new areas of co-operation using the latest technologies, strategies and products."

NAVTEQ will also be producing map updates ready for distribution to European drivers via the Volkswagen parts and accessories division.  In North America, NAVTEQ will produce the map updates and will also distribute to dealerships as well as directly to consumers. "We are really pleased that our relationship with TechniSat is expanding with this award," commented Bruno Bourguet, senior vice president, Sales EMEA, NAVTEQ.  "We have a wealth of experience in the automotive market including working with our customers to develop their map update business. This is a great opportunity to help take an already strong factory fitted navigation market into new areas, providing additional opportunities and enhancing driver satisfaction."

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data (digital location content) enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world.  NAVTEQ was founded in 1985 and now supplies comprehensive digital location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions.  The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has more than 5,400 employees located in 214 offices in 49 countries.

NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

About TechniSat Digital GmbH:

The TechniSat Group develops and manufactures electrical entertainment products in Germany and the European Union. Its digital receivers, other satellite reception products, TVs and PC cards all have a high level of technical quality and a very modern design. Tests by Stiftung Warentest (leading German safety association) have confirmed this on numerous occasions.

The business division TechniSat Automotive has been developing and manufacturing high quality products for the in-car entertainment sector for more than 13 years, particularly car radios and radio navigation systems with numerous intelligent interfaces, touch screen, voice recognition and enhanced features for advanced driver assistance systems. The ISO/TS 16949 certified business is a supplier to renowned car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Bugatti.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060313/NAVTEQLOGO)

SOURCE NAVTEQ