New car buyers to automatically receive annual map updates for navigation systems

CHICAGO, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions has announced that the Volvo Car Corporation is the first automotive company to introduce NAVTEQ MapCare - a map update program - for new, premium segment vehicles.

The company has opted for the NAVTEQ MapCare initial program which packages a pre-defined number of map updates with the purchase of a new vehicle and navigation system. Therefore, from the model year 2010 release in June this year, customers buying a Volvo C30, S40, V50, C70, V70, XC70, S80, XC60 or XC90 with navigation will be eligible to receive two complimentary map updates.

Each car will include a registration card for the customer to complete and return in order to automatically receive the updates at the address of their choice and NAVTEQ will handle the registration and shipment. The program will be available through all Volvo Car Corporation dealerships in Western and Eastern Europe, North America and Russia.

NAVTEQ MapCare has been designed to help increase map update sales and revenue by providing additional selling points for navigation systems. "We believe this program will increase satisfaction and loyalty as customers will always have the latest maps. In addition, valuable opportunities for communication and cross-selling will be created," explains Jeff Mize, executive vice president, sales, NAVTEQ. "It is a particularly convenient service for drivers of fleet or lease cars as it provides a clear channel to acquire map updates."

With the road network changing every year, more up-to-date maps help navigation systems operate at their best and generate more efficient routes. More effective routing saves drivers time, fuel and money and reduces CO2 emissions. A recent study* showed that drivers using a navigation system could reduce the overall distance they drove per year by nearly 2,500 kilometres and save over euro 400 in fuel costs.

*Impact of Navigation on Fuel Consumption - NAVTEQ April 09

The aim of the NAVTEQ MapCare program is to make implementation as easy as possible for the OEM and, in addition to handling registration and shipment, to provide essential communication materials with messaging for both dealers and drivers, dealer sales training and a package of ready to go creative tools for use at the point of sale. The updates are provided to the OEMs at a special price and for those who wish to target existing customers with navigation systems, there is also an after-market program.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4000 employees located in 190 offices in 39 countries.

NAVTEQ and MapCare are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

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Web site: http://www.navteq.com/