Navigation Technologies Announces Continued Growth of In-Vehicle Navigation Systems

Industry Leader Reports 53% of North American Vehicle Brands Offered Navigation in Calendar Year 2002

CHICAGO, March 13 -- Navigation Technologies, a leading provider of digital map data for vehicle navigation, Internet/wireless and business applications, recapped the 2002 North American vehicle industry indicating continued growth in the number of cars offering navigation systems. Navigation systems provide drivers with turn-by-turn route guidance that deliver users from one destination to another.

Navigations Technologies has a unique North American industry perspective stemming from its leadership in the vehicle market. NAVTECH(R) map data currently powers all U.S. automotive navigation systems.

Beginning in 1996, only two automotive brands, BMW and Acura offered models with navigation systems. In calendar year 2002, 20 of 38 available automotive brands (53%) offered navigation systems as an option or standard item. A steady increase in models offering navigation has brought the total number offering navigation systems to 72. In all, sales of models offering navigation accounted for 18% of cars sold in the U.S. in 2002.

              By Year Brand Introduction

             Introductory Year   Brand
             1996                Acura
                                 BMW
             1997                Lexus
             1998                Porsche
             1999                Audi
                                 Cadillac
                                 Honda
                                 Jaguar
                                 Land Rover
                                 Lincoln
                                 Mercedes Benz USA
                                 Volvo
             2000                Infiniti
                                 Nissan
                                 Toyota
             2001                Oldsmobile
             2002                Ford
                                 Maserati
                                 Mini
                                 Pontiac

In calendar year 2002, 20 new models were introduced joining the 52 models already offering on board navigation. The 2002 models included the Cadillac CTS, Ford Expedition, Honda Accord, Honda Pilot, Infiniti G35, Infiniti M45, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Freelander, Lincoln LS, Maserati Spyder, Mercedes Benz SL class, Mini, Nissan Murano, Nissan Z, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Matrix, Toyota 4-Runner and the Volvo XC 90.

"We are thrilled to see the market start to embrace navigation and to play a leading role in supporting the uptake of navigation systems," said John MacLeod, Executive Vice President Global Marketing & Strategy Navigation Technologies. "As consumer demand for navigation systems continues to rise, Navigation Technologies will continue to develop maps and features that enhance the navigation experience."

About Navigation Technologies

Navigation Technologies creates the digital maps that power navigation and location-based services around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and is privately held. The company's 1,200 employees are in over 100 offices in 18 countries. For more information, visit http://www.navtech.com/ .

NAVTECH is a registered US trademark of Navigation Technologies Corporation.