NAVTEQ Announces Results of 2008 Map Update Study

14 May 2009, 1:36pm

NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions, has announced the results of a research study designed to gain an increased level of understanding of map updates for portable navigation devices and in-vehicle GPS systems. The study, conducted in Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom shows high levels of awareness of map updates across Europe.

The study showed that 83% of navigation system owners are aware that map updates are available, with the majority of consumers updating their maps on average every 10 months. In fact, awareness of map updates has risen since a similar study was conducted in 2006, with 79% of respondents indicating awareness at that time. With the increasing realisation of the importance of fresh map information, 75% of respondents said they would like to receive reminders to update the maps in their systems – compared to just 42% in 2006.

Additional information included:

· “Map coverage,” “road changes” and “new points of interest” were rated the most important reasons to buy a map update

· Behavioural motivators for purchasing an update included areas such as confidence, safety and efficiency

· Given than nearly half of European drivers use navigation systems for leisure activities every month, there is specific interest in updates for information on holiday and leisure destinations like historic towns, seaside and mountain areas

Available for both in-vehicle and portable navigation systems, map updates help ensure that drivers have the latest information to hand when it is most needed. They can include new roads and building developments, addresses and points of interest such as petrol stations, hospitals, parks/recreational areas, hotels, ATM/cash machines and restaurants. Today, nearly 100% of factory installed in-vehicle navigation systems offer map updates in DVD, CD and SD-card formats. In addition, portable devices offer them using DVD, CD, online download and also newly introduced activation cards.

“Our research shows the importance of letting drivers know that map updates are available for their navigation devices. Particularly with the summer driving season approaching, it is the perfect time for drivers with navigation systems that are over a year old to purchase a map update. Regular map updates allow your navigation system to reach its full potential,” said Jeff Mize, executive vice president, NAVTEQ. “With a map update, drivers are able to maintain routing accuracy as well as efficient route planning on their journeys.”

A map update can be purchased for factory installed in-vehicle navigation systems from the dealer or from NAVTEQ’s online store www.navteq.com/store which has an inventory of map update products for over 200 car models. It is a comprehensive online store for nearly every vehicle with an installed navigation system in Europe and also offer updates for select portable devices.

NAVTEQ

Geo: International