NAVTEQ Reminds Consumers of the Importance of GPS Map Updates During the Summer Driving Season

CHICAGO, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, reminds drivers to update the maps in their GPS devices in order to save time, money and gas during this summer's driving season.

Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer driving season, a time when Americans typically increase the number of miles they drive.  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of May 3rd, Americans will pay an average of 82 cents a gallon more for gasoline – a nearly 40% increase versus the same time in 2009.  

While money spent on fuel is likely to increase, NAVTEQ offers a simple way to save gas, money and time by purchasing a map update for GPS navigaton systems.  Map updates are important so that an in-dash navigation system or portable navigation device has the most up-to-date information it needs in order to work most efficiently.  A 2009 NAVTEQ Study* has shown that vehicles with regularly used GPS navigation systems use 12% less fuel than those that do not, which can lead to out-of-pocket savings of over $250.00.  

Map updates help the "shortest" and "fastest" route functions work most efficiently, minimizing extra miles driven and time on the road.  Updates also save drivers time by providing the closest gas stations, restaurants, hotels and other important points of interest.  

"With today's economic realities and busy lifestyles, drivers can't afford to waste gas driving around with outdated maps," said Lonnie Arima, VP North America Channel Sales Development, NAVTEQ.  "A map update provides the most accurate, up-to-date road and points of interest information so drivers can efficiently reach their destinations."

This summer manufacturers and retailers are making it easier than ever for drivers to save gas, money and time with a map update.  Map updates for portable navigation devices are available at participating online and retail stores: Amazon.com, Best Buy, BestBuy.com, Costco.com and Garmin.com.  Map updates are available via DVD, SD Card or direct download.

The NAVTEQ store, available at www.navteq.com/store, offers a one-stop shop for consumers looking for embedded in-vehicle system updates. With map update products for more than 200 car models, navteq.com/store is a comprehensive online store for nearly every vehicle with an in-dash navigation system in North America including: Audi, Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lincoln, MBUSA, Mercury, Nissan, Volkswagen and Volvo.  Map updates can also be purchased at local dealerships for Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lincoln and Mercury.  For all other brands, navteq.com/store offers a link and/or phone number for ordering map updates.  

*NAVTEQ Navigation Benefits Study (2009)

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 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 approximately 4600 employees located in 203 offices in 45 countries.

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

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SOURCE NAVTEQ