NAVTEQ HOOKS UP WITH GARMIN

NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, has announced that Garmin Distribution Africa has chosen NAVTEQ maps for South Africa and enhanced content for its new nüvi devices. 

Garmin has access to NAVTEQ map data worldwide (currently available in 84 countries and territories), through a long-term global contract between the two companies, and is further extending its reach with the implementation of coverage in South Africa.

Dawn Ramsay, General Manager Garmin (Europe) Ltd commented, “Garmin has utilised NAVTEQ maps and content for the majority of the countries we serve over the last 10 years. This agreement has led to world firsts, such as individual lane guidance and improved junction views, helping our customers navigate with accuracy and ease. The integration of the NAVTEQ map for South Africa will continue to make sure that our consumers receive the best navigational experience available on the market today.”

Made available this week on the Garmin nüvi 2200, 2300, 2360LT, 2460LT, 3760LT and 3790LT, the NAVTEQ map for South Africa includes the country’s entire 554,361 kilometres of road network - stretching from the Kruger National Park in the North down to Cape Town on the Southern tip.  There are also over 180,000 Points of Interest in 71 different categories featuring destinations such as fuel stations, restaurants, banks and ATMs, hotels and tourist attractions, more.

The Garmin nuvï devices also feature a range of pre-loaded South African content and services including a subset of NAVTEQ’s Tracks4Africa: Off-Road Guide, which is a subset of the full product version. The Tracks4Africa: Off-Road Guide content enables turn-by-turn navigation off the beaten path; waypoint information; and guidance on biking and hiking trails. Other NAVTEQ content features 3D Landmarks, generic displays of road signs and junctions, information to support Lane Assist functionality, speed limits and a broad range of road conditions which all help guide drivers efficiently and effectively on the road network.

“The new nüvi 3700 series  moves navigation forward in leaps and bounds. This multi-award winning GPS is the thinnest device available today and draws its intelligence from the data available within the information supplied by NAVTEQ. More live services are expected to launch later this year in South Africa with the Introduction of nuLink connected devices, helping to keep users up-to-date with the latest lifestyle information available through Garmin’s extensive live services,” added Walter Mech, Group Sales and Marketing Director, Garmin Distribution Africa (Pty) Ltd.

NAVTEQ digital map data is built on the roads of the world by over one thousand NAVTEQ geographic analysts who drive millions of kilometres every year collecting and verifying data.  They all work with the same technology and processes, combined with local knowledge and sources, to produce a single global specification for a database which currently features over 32 million kilometres of roadway.  The company is also continually developing the exciting new content expected by today’s demanding consumers.

"With comprehensive NAVTEQ maps and location content, Garmin will continue to deliver the quality navigation experience South African drivers expect”, concluded Yiannis Moissidis, vice president, Sales Middle-East, Africa, Russia & Balkans. "We are delighted to support Garmin's leadership by strengthening our relationship even further and extending our collaboration into new regions.  The result is a great value add for consumers in South Africa and around the world.”


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