NAVTEQ Announces Results of 2008 Map Update Study

Awareness of Navigation System Map Updates on the Rise in the US

CHICAGO, May 13 -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions, is reporting the results of a proprietary research study that points to the growing importance of map updates to navigation system owners. The most recent results show that 73 percent of American navigation system owners would like to receive reminders to update the maps in their systems, versus just 42 percent in 2006.

According to a 2008 Map Information Update study, conducted in 9 countries including the United States, 82 percent of navigation system owners in the US are aware that map updates are available, with the majority of drivers updating their maps on average every 10 months.

Map updates are available for both in-vehicle and portable navigation systems to enable drivers to have the latest information when they need it most. Map updates can include new roads and property developments, addresses and points of interest such as gas stations, hospitals, parks/recreational areas, hotels, ATM/cash machines and restaurants.

According to the research, the most important reasons to purchase a map update included: "map coverage," "road changes" and "new points of interest." Additionally, given that over three-quarters of American drivers frequently use their navigation devices for leisure activities every month, there is specific interest in updates for vacation and leisure destination information like historic towns, sea side areas and mountain areas. Behavioral motivators for purchasing an update included areas such as confidence, safety and efficiency.

Today, nearly all factory installed in-vehicle navigation systems offer map update products using DVD, CD and SD-card formats. In addition, portable devices offer map updates using DVD, SD cards, 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. Regular map updates enable your navigation system to operate at its full potential by ensuring efficient trip planning and accurate routing," said Jeff Mize, executive vice president, NAVTEQ. "With the summer driving season approaching, now is the perfect time for a driver to purchase a map update if the device is at least a year old."

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 with an inventory of map update products for more than 200 car models. NAVTEQ.com/store is a comprehensive online store for nearly every vehicle with an installed navigation system in America. Updates for select portable devices are also available at NAVTEQ.com/store.