Up close and personal

Trafficmaster's Smartnav system integrates live traffic information with a satellite navigation system. Smartnav can be installed in any car at a price that does not significantly increase the cost of producing a vehicle. The product has been adopted as an approved after-market system by 22 automotive manufacturers and is fitted as standard on 11 models. There are three other satellite navigation systems in the after-market sector: VDO Siemens, Becker and Alpine. Smartnav is simple to use. It uses GPS (global positioning system) and GSM (global system for mobiles) technology. A press of a single button on the dashboard connects the driver to an operator in Trafficmaster's call centre via the GSM network. Mapping is stored within a server at Trafficmaster's headquarters. If a traffic problem is identified on a given route, a message will be sent to the unit to alert the driver. The system can be upgraded using Safe Speed, an integrated speed camera alert device, and RAC Trackstar, a GPS-based stolen vehicle tracking system. A new development is Smartnav's Touch Screen. Trafficmaster is also planning to offer European mapping on Smartnav.