June 5, 2006

TomTom ONE on Volkswagon Polo

TomTom, has announced collaboration with Volkswagen in Portugal to offer the TomTom ONE free as part of an exclusive promotion with the popular Polo model. For those in the US – the Polo is a step down from the VW Golf. Given the price of gas, and the recent launches of sub-compacts by both Toyota and Handa, we may see a VW Polo coming to the US. Not only will they offer the TomTom ONE free with the Polo, but they will get their own edition! A special edition Volkswagen Polo called Polo GO will be launched in June offering the TomTom ONE in a very well-equipped car that comes with automatic air conditioning, alloy wheels, fog lights and much more, at a very competitive price. While they didn't get their own model, Ford did a similar promotion with Garmin earlier this year in Taiwan. Also, there are numerous situations where the manufacturers have gotten their GPS offered as an option, like our recently reported story on the FJ Cruiser, or last year's Jeep Wrangler Trail Guide announcement, but this is a first as far as I know to co-brand the car with the GPS.

The TomTom ONE ensures that Polo drivers in Portugal can enjoy all the benefits of TomTom’s market leading navigation technology. With its ease of use, sleek design and complete portability, the TomTom ONE is a perfect fit with the Volkswagen Polo – affordable GPS in an affordable car.

TomTom continues to develop its automotive arm and the deal with Volkswagen further demonstrates this strategy. With a quick to market introduction and the added benefit of easily upgradeable software, TomTom’s navigation solution provides an attractive proposition.

“Our partnership with Volkswagen in Portugal highlights our continued success in the automotive market. This is another example of a high-profile collaboration, enabling TomTom to offer Polo drivers all the advantages offered by the TomTom ONE.” said Harold Goddijn, TomTom chief executive officer. “We continue to position ourselves as a serious proposition to the automotive market. With our market leading navigation, we can provide quick and easy installation at a very competitive price point.” [Recall they are the market leader in Europe, not in North America, but they have made considerable gains here in the last 12 months, as they claim to be in the #2 position.]

“The reason we have chosen TomTom is clear: they are leaders in the market and above all they have a heritage of conveying innovation and modernity. That’s exactly what we need for our Polo communication”, said Ricardo Tomaz, Volkswagen Marketing Manager in Portugal.