Alpine's Blackbird Portable Navigation Device Incorporates NAVTEQ Traffic RDS(TM)
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CHICAGO, Sept. 13 / NAVTEQ (NYSE:NVT), a leading global provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, has been selected to provide real-time traffic information to Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer of high- performance mobile electronics, for its portable navigation device, Blackbird (PMD-B100). The Blackbird already uses NAVTEQ® maps.
Blackbird has a built-in Radio Data System (RDS) traffic tuner and is now capable of receiving continuously updated NAVTEQ Traffic RDS flow and incident information in 42 U.S. markets. Visual notification of congestion conditions and incident alerts allow drivers to see potential delays so they can choose to avoid traffic problems. The Blackbird also offers a detour option, which gives drivers the choice of avoiding a congested area and taking another route.
"Alpine and NAVTEQ's longstanding working relationship provides a solid foundation for the evolution of new product developments," said John MacLeod, Executive Vice President - Connected Services, NAVTEQ. "Together, we are committed to meeting driver expectations for accurate, real-time traffic information integrated with our comprehensive map data."
NAVTEQ Traffic RDS aggregates, verifies and quality checks data from a variety of industry traffic sources. Features include:
o Traffic flow information for highways, freeways and major expressways. The Blackbird designates the use of red squares to show average speeds between 0 and 10 miles per hour and yellow diamonds for speeds between 11 and 45 miles per hour.
o Scheduled and unscheduled incidents along a route. Scheduled incidents include road construction, closures and sports events. Unscheduled incidents include accidents, disabled vehicles and weather-related issues. Additional information on each incident, such as lanes affected and time of occurrence is available by selecting Blackbird's incident icon.
Launched in spring 2006, Blackbird offers features such as pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada, full turn-by-turn voice-delivered driving instructions, six million unique points of interest, an SD card slot for MP3 music playback, and a 3.6-inch LCD touch-screen monitor.
"With our mission to provide an informed, stress-free driving experience, NAVTEQ Traffic RDS service is a natural complement to the Blackbird's comprehensive, highly flexible navigation features," said Steve Witt, Vice President - Marketing, Alpine Electronics. "Whether in familiar or unfamiliar territory, the Blackbird with the traffic service is an essential tool for drivers."
Every Blackbird comes with a free 90-day trial subscription to the NAVTEQ Traffic RDS service, which is available in 42 markets including Annapolis, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver/Boulder, Detroit, Hartford, Houston/Galveston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Middlesex/Somerset/Union, Milwaukee/Racine, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nassau/Suffolk, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Riverside/San Bernardino, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle/Tacoma, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Washington, DC and West Palm Beach. Once the trial period ends, consumers can choose to continue the service for $60 per year. Consumers can subscribe to the NAVTEQ Traffic RDS service directly through NAVTEQ at www.blackbirdtraffic.com/ .
The Blackbird is available now at authorized Alpine dealers at the suggested retail index of $750.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics system supplier and an ISO certified global corporation. Alpine specializes in engineering and manufacturing products for mobile media systems that include audio, video, satellite-linked navigation and connectivity solutions. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the automotive specialist for premium sound systems and vehicle navigation for both aftermarket and OEM factory installations. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Visit www.alpine-usa.com/ for more about Alpine products or to find an authorized retailer.
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 2,000 employees located in 139 offices in 25 countries.
Source: NAVTEQ
CONTACT:
Kellie Prowse,
NAVTEQ
+1-312-894-7479
kellie.prowse@navteq.com
Bob Richter
NAVTEQ
+1-212-802-8588
bob@richtermedia.com
Web site: http://www.navteq.com/
http://www.blackbirdtraffic.com/
http://www.alpine-usa.com/
