European Consumers Are Ready to Embrace Low Cost Navigation Systems, Finds Frost & Sullivan

LONDON, May 11, 2009 -- More than 60 percent of European consumers are extremely interested in location-based vehicle-centric services like eCall, bCall, stolen vehicle tracking and real-time traffic information. However, they clearly indicate that the current price of such systems is more than they are willing to pay.

Manufacturers could still turn this market into a significant revenue stream though, with the aid of some clever business modeling, like the one used by TomTom for the HD Traffic service.

"Vehicle manufacturers like Mercedes and Ford are moving towards mobile phone based navigation and telematics solutions, while others like Renault are working on dedicated low-cost navigation systems," observes Frost & Sullivan Program Manager Praveen Chandrasekar. "This clearly indicates the importance original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are attaching to this segment and is an indication that development activities are taking place in the right direction."

Renault recently launched the TomTom Carminat, which is priced under euro 500. Recent analysis shows that more than 40 percent of European consumers would be willing to buy such low-cost solutions.

To provide decision makers with a comprehensive overview of the European OEM navigation systems market, the Automotive & Transportation Group at Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com/) is pleased to announce it will be hosting an online analyst briefing presentation on Tuesday 19 May at 4:00pm BST.

This briefing will cover market developments in the low cost OEM navigation space and discuss important consumer demands and perceptions for navigation and location-based services. Highlights will include analyses of European consumer's attitudes and willingness to pay for navigation and location-based services, market trends and forecasts for low cost OEM navigation systems and strategic recommendations to make the most out of this interesting market.

The discussion will benefit vehicle manufacturers, telematics device suppliers, navigation device suppliers, telematics service providers, mobile network operators and component suppliers to the European navigation and telematics market.

To participate, please email Patrick Cairns at patrick.cairns@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail, address, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.

Attend an Analyst Briefing and receive a chance for a complimentary admission to Frost & Sullivan's flagship event, Growth Innovation & Leadership: A Frost & Sullivan Global Congress on Corporate Growth. GIL Global connects senior executives with innovative ideas and strategies that will accelerate the growth rates of their companies.