The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Etak SkyMap Navigation Products to Carry Sony Brand Name

27 July 1998

Etak SkyMap Navigation Products to Carry Sony Brand Name


    MENLO PARK, Calif.--July 27, 1998--Etak Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corp. of America and a worldwide publisher of digital map databases, software technology and traveler information services, Monday announced that its family of notebook navigation products, SkyMap Pro and SkyMap Traveler, will carry the Sony brand name.
    As part of its new consumer strategy, Etak and Sony have made a strategic decision to market the SkyMap product line under the Sony brand name. The Sony SkyMap products allow users to view and track their location in real-time on easy-to-read, detailed maps of all 50 United States. Etak will continue to manufacture, market, support and promote the award-winning product line adding Sony distribution channels.
    "As part of our continuing effort to strengthen and expand the market for PC-based personal navigation products, Etak and Sony have decided to work more closely together," said Craig Lynar, vice president of marketing and sales, consumer for Etak. "We anticipate that the use of the Sony brand name in this emerging market will help us further expand sales channels and leverage existing relationships."
    The new Sony SkyMap Pro, designed for the mobile professional, and Sony SkyMap Traveler, designed for the everyday traveler, previewed earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
    Designed for Windows 95-compatible notebook PCs, both products were made available in the first quarter of 1998. Sony SkyMap Pro has a suggested retail price of $299.95. Sony SkyMap Traveler, an economy version, sells for $199.95.
    Sony SkyMap Pro combines Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, navigation technology and detailed street-level maps with dynamic business productivity tools. The product consists of a 12-channel GPS receiver, a PCMCIA card with infrared receiver, a remote control, two CD-ROMs containing street-level map databases and extensive travel information.
    Sony Corp. of America is a subsidiary of Sony Corp., with headquarters in Tokyo. Sony Corp. is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, motion pictures, and computer entertainment operations make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of over $51 billion in the last fiscal year ended March 31, 1998 and employs more than 173,000 people worldwide.
    Further information on the Sony SkyMap Pro and SkyMap Traveler is available by calling 888-2SkyMap, writing to Etak Inc. at 1430 O'Brien Drive, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025, or visiting Etak's Web site at http://www.etak.com.
    Etak is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corp. of America, which is owned by Sony Corp. with headquarters in Tokyo.