News

[developerx]

17:06 PM EST, Jan 28, 2005 (MidnightTrader) -- Garmin (GRMN) tonight said one of its units struck a deal with Mopar -- the original equipment parts and accessories provider for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep -- to begin offering a new Garmin-built GPS automotive navigation system as a dealer-installed option specifically designed for many of its 2005 models.

(more)
OLATHE, Kan., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced that Mopar -- the original equipment parts and accessories provider for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep -- will begin offering a new Garmin-built GPS automotive navigation system as a dealer-installed option specifically designed for many of its 2005 models.

Named the Navus, the system will be offered in models including the popular Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum, Charger, Dakota and Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Navus provides premium automotive navigation capabilities -- including pre-loaded maps, an easy-to-use touchscreen interface and a high- resolution color TFT display, automatic route calculation, and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions -- at a price that is significantly less than most built-in systems.

"Mopar stands for quality, performance and value -- the same principles that have made Garmin successful," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing. "We're excited that Garmin is now able to offer a custom-designed navigation system for three of the most respected brands on the road today -- Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep."

Dealers can install the Navus in less than 30 minutes. The Navus is connected directly into the vehicle's bus interface, allowing it to interact seamlessly with other vehicle systems such as lighting and ignition control. The unit is incorporated atop the dashboard in clear view of the driver and passengers -- providing a look and feel that that complements the interior of the automobile. If GPS signals are temporarily lost (due to skyscrapers or mountainous terrain), the system provides dead reckoning capabilities to assist in navigation.

"The Navus GPS navigation system gives our customers what they've been asking for -- a full-featured GPS navigation system that's easy to use, yet inexpensive when compared to most in-dash systems," said Paul Kelly, director, accessory portfolio for Mopar. "Garmin is widely recognized as a leader in GPS navigation, so we're exceptionally happy to have them aboard our newest Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models."

Motorists can choose pre-installed regional map data at a value price, or opt for comprehensive pre-installed map data of the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico on a single compact flash memory card. Each region features thousands of points of interest -- including lodging, restaurants, attractions, ATMs, gas stations, and nearby Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealers and service facilities.


Additional features of the Navus system include:

-- Automotive grade, high-resolution 8-bit TFT color touchscreen interface
that's easy to see in day or night
-- Turn-by-turn voice prompted directions with high-quality audio
-- Calculates shortest or fastest routes to addresses or points of
interest
-- Automatically recalculates a route if the driver misses a turn
-- Drivers can tell Navus to avoid areas of construction or traffic tie-
ups
-- Navus will build a route with multiple stops -- ideal for sales calls,
deliveries, or errands
-- Navus is connected directly into the automotive bus interface for
seamless integration with other vehicle systems such as lighting and
ignition
-- Dead reckoning capabilities assist navigation if GPS signal is
temporarily lost
-- Optional remote control

The Navus system is available through Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $869.00.

[TheSRTSaint]

Hmmm. This sounds like a dash mounted unit. I hope they keep the one they have now for a while.

[Cdnhemi]

Now that's something I would like to look at. Is there a picture of it somewhere?

[roaringmouse]

Originally Posted by Mikeyjohn

Now that's something I would like to look at. Is there a picture of it somewhere?

I received this pic from a friend.

[Cdnhemi]

Originally Posted by roaringmouse

I received this pic from a friend.

Thanks, I think I could live with that!!! If your friend has one where did he get it? I checked with my Mopar and they had not heard of it, but then it seems it takes a little longer to get this side of the border.

[First300COwner]

Won't be available till spring of 05'. Its by Garmin and from what I read will only be available through Mopar and not directly through Garmin. Many people on other forums say that they think it will be way better then the standard Nav that is currently available in the 300's

I don't know about that, I'll take the standard nav or this one I just wish I had nav. Darn I wan't nav.!

[Bobs05RT]

The screen is way to small and it looks like something JC Whitney would sell.

[First300COwner]

Originally Posted by Bobs05RT

The screen is way to small

My only complaint, but from what I read it is the better nav. besides the way to small screen!

[Cdnhemi]

Originally Posted by First300COwner

Won't be available till spring of 05'. Its by Garmin and from what I read will only be available through Mopar and not directly through Garmin. Many people on other forums say that they think it will be way better then the standard Nav that is currently available in the 300's

I don't know about that, I'll take the standard nav or this one I just wish I had nav. Darn I wan't nav.!

I can live with the small screen as long as it talks to me, but hope it doesn't sound like my wife!!!

[Angi300C]

Looks nice, however it might be a slight distracting for me do to the size and location. I like my Factory Nav. Just my .02!