High quality, updatable embedded navigation for all becomes a reality with the launch of the Carminat TomTom solution on Renault car lines

High quality, updatable embedded navigation for all becomes a reality with the launch of the Carminat TomTom solution on Renault car lines

Carminat TomTom will be available on the new Renault Clio, Renault Scenic and Renault Megane car lines

Geneva – TomTom, the world’s leading navigation solutions provider, today reveals the details of the Carminat TomTom embedded navigation solution co-developed with Renault. The Carminat TomTom will open up embedded navigation to the mass market with a €490 price tag and wide availability on Renault’s small to medium car lines. Additionally, it will offer the unique features of TomTom’s portable navigation devices which make driving stress free, safe and efficient. The Carminat TomTom can be fully updated with the latest map changes and a host of content without the owner ever having to leave their home.

In an embedded navigation first, users of the Carminat TomTom solution can easily and quickly update their navigation with the latest maps, safety cameras, Points of Interest (POIs) or voices to ensure the system is always up to date. Traditionally, embedded navigation customers had to send away for CDs or go to a store to get additional navigation content. Users of the Carminat TomTom solution simply access TomTom HOME, TomTom’s free desktop software, where they download the latest content from the Internet onto an SD card which can then be installed in an SD Card slot next to the Carminat TomTom screen.

The content and services available to Carminat TomTom users includes TomTom’s map improvement technology Map Share™ which will allow customers to deal with the stress of unexpected road changes by making improvements to their map instantly. Additionally, Map Share is the only solution that enables drivers to share and receive corrections with the TomTom community of 30 million users. This way Carminat TomTom users can always benefit from the most up-to-date maps.

The Carminat TomTom solution, which will be TomTom branded, was designed to be easy to use and ensures drivers can enjoy a safe and stress-free drive from the moment they turn on the system. It features a simple and intuitive user interface, a large 5.8 inch screen and a built in RDS-TMC traffic receiver. In addition it features an extensive set of safety features including the Help Me! menu which includes information such as emergency and breakdown service numbers, directions to the nearest hospital, car maintenance advice and first aid instructions.

“Despite the high demand for embedded navigation it remained expensive, complicated, mainly limited to luxury cars only and featured content and maps that were outdated before the car ever left the dealer,” said Harold Goddijn, TomTom’s CEO. “We are pleased to be able to deliver with our partner Renault, what drivers have demanded from embedded navigation: easy-to-use, looks great built into the dashboard, as well as meets all the automotive quality and safety requirements.”

“Renault is fully satisfied with the Renault-TomTom partnership. This collaboration will allow many customers to access a perfectly integrated on-board navigation system that is available at a fair price. It is a real breakthrough for OEM navigation devices,” said Patrick Pelata, Renault’s Chief Operating Officer.

The Carminat TomTom solution will be available from Spring 2009 across Western Europe from Є490. It will initially launch on the new Renault Clio, but will soon be in the new Renault Megane and Scenic.

Maps are supplied by Tele Atlas.

Product specifications:

• 5.8” non-touch screen
• integrated RDS/TMC tuner
• additional sensors (odometer and gyro) in the car for improved positioning
• device operation via central switch or remote control
• radio display emulation (will vary per car model)
• temperature display (will vary per car model)
• SD-card for storing content for the device
• ability to update the software.