NAVTEQ Selected as Preferred Map and Content Supplier for ESCORT Inc.'s PASSPORTiQ™ the First Radar Detection Device With Navigation

CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, today announced that ESCORT Inc.'s PASSPORTiQ™ will utilize NAVTEQ® map data and content for the world's first convergence of state-of-the art radar and laser protection with 3D maps for navigation. Under this new agreement, NAVTEQ is the preferred map and content supplier for all of ESCORT Inc.'s PASSPORTiQ™ portable navigation devices (PND) with radar detection functionality in the United States. The NavSDK navigation platform and application for PASSPORTiQ™ is supported by deCarta.

NAVTEQ maps, built on the roads of the world by over 1100 geographic analysts, drive most of the in-car GPS systems made in North America and Europe, and the leading brands of GPS-enabled devices. In addition to map data, PASSPORTiQ™ utilizes NAVTEQ's extended lane and speed limit data, which expand the capabilities of the NAVTEQ database to support advanced functionality of the traditional navigation experience. NAVTEQ Voice content is also included, which provides high quality pronunciation of names in all text to speech engines and enables speech recognition.

"We are excited about providing the first convergence of state-of-the art radar and laser detection, red light and speed camera notifications, speed limit information, 3D maps and content for navigation," said John Larson, ESCORT president and CEO. "The PASSPORTiQ™ is your ultimate driving companion."

"As the leading provider of advanced and comprehensive geospatial software platforms, we continuously strive to develop top-quality, differentiated, location-enabled experiences for our customers," said J. Kim Fennell, CEO of deCarta. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with NAVTEQ to support Escort Inc.'s new line of PNDs, as NAVTEQ's map data and content are based on superior quality and coverage."

Escort's PASSPORTiQ™ also utilizes NAVTEQ's points of interest (POI) data, which makes it easier for users to find a POI as their destination. The NAVTEQ map features millions of the most up-to-date points of interest, including ATMs, gas stations, restaurants and hotels. Additionally, NAVTEQ Traffic™ data will be included in all PASSPORTiQ™ devices beginning Q1 2011, delivering the most timely, accurate and detailed traffic information, allowing for a more stress-free navigation experience. NAVTEQ Traffic delivers detailed information about current traffic conditions, allowing drivers to make better routing and re-routing decisions. NAVTEQ Traffic is available in the United States, Canada, Brazil and 13 countries in Europe.

"With this device, PASSPORTiQ™  is addressing the needs of savvy consumers who are looking for an all-in-one solution, providing radar recognition coupled with a sophisticated navigation experience," said Steve Altman, vice president, Americas sales, NAVTEQ.  "The convergence of NAVTEQ's map data and dynamic content with deCarta's technology is a fundamental link in the LBS value chain as location-enabled solutions continue to grow. Knowing the richness and breadth of our content portfolio, there just continues to be such enormous opportunity for even broader capabilities in the next generation of location-enabled devices."

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 is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, proudly supported by approximately 5,100 employees located in 212 offices in 48 countries.

NAVTEQ and NAVTEQ Traffic are trademarks in the US and other countries.

About deCarta

deCarta is the leading independent geospatial software platform provider that has enabled some of the industry's most successful Location-Based Services (LBS) applications. The company's technology is ideal for high-volume LBS applications in the mobile, enterprise fleet and Internet markets where scalability, speed and reliability are vital. deCarta's solutions are preferred by application developers, service providers, and mobile handset OEMs who seek to leverage deCarta's unique strengths of server-side, wireless LBS and Search expertise, and also want the flexibility to customize LBS offerings and self-brand.

About ESCORT, Inc.

ESCORT Inc. is the leading manufacturer of high-performance radar and laser detectors, GPS enabled navigation and tracking products and other Drive Smarter products.  ESCORT manufactures products under the ESCORT, PASSPORT, REDLINE, SOLO, Vector and BELTRONICS brands.  The company is headquartered in West Chester, Ohio with its principal manufacturing facility located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.  Contact Ron Gividen, 513.870.8500, [email protected].

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SOURCE NAVTEQ