MG Rover Group Is The First Manufacturer To Line Fit Smartnav At Factory

Bedfordshire, February 11 -- The new design Rover 75 is the first car to install Smartnav, by Trafficmaster, as a production line fitted option at its factory in Longbridge. Marketed by MG Rover Group as Personal Assist, Smartnav will provide Rover 75 customers with an advanced satellite navigation system that uses Trafficmaster's traffic data to actively guide motorists around traffic jams, and in addition offers a 24 hour concierge service.

Smartnav has been an approved accessory throughout MG Rover dealers since October 2003. This move to fit Smartnav at production line strengthens the relationship between MG Rover Group and Trafficmaster, and will lead to an increase in Smartnav sales across the entire MG and Rover range.

Rod Ramsay, Sales Operations Director at MG Rover Group, comments:

"The Rover 75, with its more contemporary design provides a younger, more modern interpretation of Rover values and combines it with the intellectual benefits of the latest technological features, provided by the Smartnav satellite navigation system, available on both Saloon and Tourer models."

The Smartnav button connects the driver to a Smartnav PA, who puts destination details into a central computer. Within seconds the best route is calculated and sent direct to the car. Step-by-step verbal instructions are then provided until the vehicle reaches its destination.

David Martell, Chief Executive at Trafficmaster says:

"Following a successful take-up of Smartnav within a number of major car manufacturer approved accessory programmes, we are delighted that Smartnav is now being installed as a production line fit. This shows that Smartnav adds to the overall value of the car and that motorists now see satellite navigation as a necessity rather than just a luxury."

In addition, Trafficmaster is also providing traffic data for a Traffic Alert Device that is available on the Rover 75 as part of its enhanced options. This is based on the Traffic Alert clock that comes as standard on Rover 25 and 45 models and as an option on MG ZR and ZS models. ABOUT TRAFFICMASTER

Founded in 1989, Trafficmaster Plc is the UK's leading journey management company providing high quality satellite navigation, traffic data and vehicle tracking systems.