June 26, 2007

TomTom Enhances Traffic Capabilities

TomTom is going to start working with Vodafone in the UK do a better job of predicting travel times, not not time travel, but travel times. The deal lets TomTom access anonymous mobile phone traffic that with a little computer work tells you what traffic is doing on UK roads and thus help derive the true travel time considering traffic.

This is just another indication that traffic tracking and implementation of traffic solutions on your GPS is heading our way. I've written pretty extensively about traffic capabilities for over a year, and I expect some big product announcements even in the US this year, including GPS units that have historical average speeds for major US roadways.

Press Release Follows...

TomTom and Vodafone UK today announce that they will jointly develop a new traffic information system that will deliver superior travel time information.

This exclusive agreement will see TomTom’s in-house patented technology use information from the Vodafone UK network to provide accurate, real-time information on the speed and direction of cars traveling on all major roads across the UK. As a result customers will have a better understanding of the exact traffic situation and be able to plan and change their route instantly to avoid traffic congestion.

“This important development is a major breakthrough in mobility management and route guidance and will significantly benefit our customers. This will clearly improve the daily travel experience of our UK users.” Harold Goddijn, TomTom’s chief executive officer comments. “By working with Vodafone to bring the granularity of information from their mobile network to solve everyday navigation needs, we will redefine traffic mobility in the UK. It is TomTom’s ambition to cover 50% of our installed European base by 2008 and this is another step towards making this revolutionary solution available to more drivers.”

“We are extremely pleased to be working with TomTom to bring this innovative service to the UK. This exciting new initiative is a further demonstration of our commitment to develop new opportunities in the mobile market,” said Tim Stone, Director of New Business Development and Wholesale for Vodafone UK. “Thanks to the quality of our data, UK drivers will soon be able to access up-to-the-minute traffic updates that will let them plan and navigate the fastest route for all their journeys.”

Details of the service will be made available at launch which is expected to be in the first half of 2008. All current and future TomTom users will be able to benefit from the service, once it is available. The solution will also be available for road authorities and businesses, who may use it for dynamic traffic control measures and improved fleet management.