SEMA 2004: Magellan RoadMate 700 GPS Vehicle Navigation System Now With North American and European Maps in One

Now Preloaded With Maps and Points of Interest for the U.S., Canada and Europe, Plus Beam Address Data and More

SANTA CLARA, Calif., SEMA Show 2004, Booth #10344, Nov. 2 -- Thales announced today the worldwide introduction of significant new features and updated map data to its popular Magellan(R) RoadMate(TM) 700. From the creators of Hertz NeverLost(R), the Magellan RoadMate 700 is the first portable vehicle navigation device to offer built-in nationwide street-level maps for Turn it on and go!(TM) convenience. Now the Magellan RoadMate 700 will ship with the option to access the newest, most up-to-date maps for both Europe and North America on a single device. Another added convenience is the ability for customers to beam address book data from most Palm OS and Pocket PC devices. Customers who currently own a Magellan RoadMate can take advantage of the new features by purchasing an upgrade package at www.magellangps.com, and customers who purchased the product on or after October 1, 2004 are eligible for a free upgrade via the website.

In response to customer feedback, the best-selling Magellan RoadMate 700 now ships with an enhanced points-of-interest (POI) database and pre-loaded maps for 17 European countries, the 48 contiguous United States and a new full-coverage map of Canada. Customers have full access to either the North American maps or European maps along with the option to pay to unlock the other region at any time. Globetrotters now have the ability to travel with the confidence of knowing how to reach their desired destination in countries around the world. The updated points of interest features are also a huge benefit for travelers who value the ability to find the closest ATMs, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and other businesses in nearly 40 categories. Not only is the POI database updated with the most recent information, users can select a specific category of POI icons to be displayed on the map screen while they drive. Plus drivers can easily route to a POI on the map screen by simply touching the POI icon.

Among the device's other added conveniences is a feature that lets customers enter personal addresses faster and easier than ever by "beaming" address book data from their Palm OS and Pocket PC devices into the Magellan RoadMate 700.

Drivers can navigate the world, or navigate back to their favorite spots again and again from wherever they are. Drivers can route to their most frequent destination instantly with the touch of a new Home button located on the main menu screen. In addition, drivers now have faster and easier access to new or previously traveled routes. The Magellan RoadMate 700 now offers five times the storage capacity for previous destinations so users can quickly request a route from a list of the last 50 destinations. Enhancements also provide for faster address entries by storing a list of up to 10 previous destination cities, which reduces the need to type a city name each time the driver enters a new address. Another added feature allows drivers to preview a route using the new driving simulation mode.

For added convenience en route, the new split TrueView screen keeps the moving map visible while a 3-D graphic shows the driver a visual depiction of the next maneuver, so the driver stays prepared for every turn without losing sight of his progress along the route path.

  Other new or enhanced features include:

   *  A choice of seven languages, all with male or female voices,
      including: US-English, UK-English, Dutch, French, German, Italian and
      Castilian Spanish.

   *  Enhanced Locate screen with speedometer, altitude and compass
      information as well as the street number range for the block where the
      vehicle is located at a given time.  The Magellan RoadMate 700
      provides peace of mind when drivers need to know exactly where they
      are, especially when they need to communicate their whereabouts to
      others.

   *  Automatic shut off option, which is particularly useful for owners of
      vehicles with cigarette lighters that remain "hot" full time.  If the
      vehicle is stopped for more than 20 minutes and the screen and buttons
      have not been used, the system will shut down after providing drivers
      with an audible and visual alert so they have the option to cancel the
      automatic shut down.

Visit www.magellangps.com for retail locations and more information on Magellan RoadMate products, the $100 manufacturer's rebate offer effective November 4, 2004 to January 2, 2005, the upgrade program for current Magellan RoadMate 700 customers, and to purchase accessories such as the protective pouch, carrying case or one of the mounting options.

About Thales

Thales is an international electronics and systems group serving the defense, aerospace, services and security markets. The group employs 61,500 people worldwide and generated revenues of euro 10.6 billion in 2003.

Thales' navigation business is one of the world's leaders in positioning, navigation and guidance equipment with global operations. Thales markets its Magellan(R) brand GPS solutions in the consumer electronics, recreation, and automotive markets, and its GPS and GNSS professional products in the survey, GIS/Mapping, and OEM markets. Through its joint venture with Hertz, Thales has developed the Hertz NeverLost(R) vehicle navigation system. Thales key innovations include the first U.S. commercial hand-held GPS receiver for positioning and navigation, and the first handheld GPS with industry standard Secure Digital Memory Card capabilities.

Thales' navigation business is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. with European headquarters in Carquefou, France. For more information, visit http://www.thalesnavigation.com/.

Hertz NeverLost is a registered trademark of Hertz Systems, Inc.