BMW Adds Google Maps Service to Vehicles

17 September 2008, 10:50am

ZoomBMW this week announced that it will integrate Google Maps into its 2009 BMW Assist and Navigation system for the 1- and 3-series. Drivers will be able to search for nearby information on restaurants, hotels, service stations, banks, supermarkets, cinemas and public facilities such as schools or city halls – all through a keyword search. After finding a location, the user can opt to start a driving route or initiate a hand-free call to the business’ number, thanks to the BMW Assist service.

The BMW Assist and Bluetooth is already standard on all 5-, 6- and 7-Series models (excluding X3), including the M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on the 1- and 3-series starting 2009 model year.

As for location-based services for Google Maps to suggest places near the car, it’s unknown whether the BMW Search will rely on cell tower triangulation, or if it’ll use the car’s built-in GPS (if equipped).

Using the AT&T network for data delivery will cost the user $199 per year, but will come packaged with the BMW Assist Convenience Plan, which will include BMW Assist services for finding the lowest fuel prices, restaurants, flight arrival gates or times, as well as receiving directions, traffic and weather information, as well as other emergency services.

Source: tom's Guide online news

Geo: International