Navigation Technologies Marks Continued Growth for North American Navigation Market

Additional 10 Automotive Brands and 38 Models Begin Offering Navigation As An Option in Calendar Year 2003

CHICAGO, Feb. 17 -- Navigation Technologies, a leading provider of digital map data for vehicle navigation, Internet/wireless, business and government solutions, marked 2003 as a year of significant growth for the navigation industry with the introduction of navigation as an option in 38 North American car models across 10 automotive brands.

As the digital map data provider for nearly every vehicle navigation system in North America, Navigation Technologies has unique insight into the rapid evolution of the in-vehicle navigation industry. NAVTECH(R) Maps enable navigation systems to provide turn-by-turn route guidance from one destination to another.

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. In 2003, 30 of the 39 available automotive brands (76%) offered navigation as an option, and sales of models offering some type of navigation system accounted for 23% of cars sold in the U.S. in the same year.

                   By Year Brand Introduction

   Introductory Year             Brand
   1996 - 2000           Acura, BMW, Lexus, Porsche, Audi, Cadillac, Honda,
                         Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes Benz USA,
                         Volvo, Infiniti, Nissan, Toyota
   2001                  Oldsmobile
   2002                  Ford, Maserati, Mini, Pontiac
   2003                  Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, Buick, Hummer, Chrysler,
                         GMC, Mazda, Volkswagen, Maybach

  New Models

In calendar year 2003, 38 new models were introduced joining the 72 models already offering on board navigation. The 2003 models included the Dodge Ram Truck; Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Trail Blazer and Trail Blazer EXT; Chrysler Town & Country, Pacifica and 300M; Buick Rendezvous and Rainier; GMC Envoy, Envoy XL, Envoy XUV, Yukon Denali; Lincoln Town Car, LS and Aviator; Nissan Quest, Armada and Titan; Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, SRX and XLR; Volkswagen Touareg and Phaeton; Mazda RX8 and 3; Toyota Sienna, Solara and Highlander; Acura TSX; Infiniti G35 Coupe and FX; Lexus GX; Porsche Cayenne; Maybach; and Hummer H2.

"Location awareness is becoming increasingly more important and pertinent to consumers and businesses, and the growth of the navigation market reflects this trend," said Cliff Fox, Vice President & General Manager - North American Vehicle Business Unit. "2004 promises continued growth. We expect that the OEM installed in-vehicle navigation unit growth to exceed 40% as navigation systems are becoming more affordable and easier to use."

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 approximately 1,400 employees are in over 100 offices in 18 countries. For more information, visit http://www.navtech.com/ .