Benz Mercedes to Dabble in Portable Navigation Devices
The Benz Mercedes luxury brand of automobiles is attempting to “streamline costs and draw in buyers” by introducing navigation devices that can be used both inside the vehicle and outside. Harman International and TomTom GPS will be supplying the devices that will be available on eight Benz Mercedes models beginning in 2010. The multi-use navigation devices can attach to the dashboard of the Mercedes vehicles and then detached for going somewhere without the car.
“The major benefit is that carmakers will now have an affordable GPS and infotainment system that can be used by the millions of vehicle owners around the world that don’t own the more expensive in-dash units,” said an article by Motor Authority. According to Gearlog, these devices will be “a first step toward navigation modules that can be developed and certified on quicker schedules, then be mated to the cars on the assembly line or even at the dealership.”
The new GPS devices could “close the competition gap” between the current in-dash devices and portable devices. Automakers will appreciate the new technology because they have typically been about three years behind the portable GPS device technology which manufacturers can produce for a fraction of the price.
Filed Under: Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
About the Author: 
