TomTom ups the ante on traffic information

TomTom has announced the new TomTom ONE XL High Definition Traffic (HD Traffic) in the Netherlands.

This unique portable navigation device combines smart navigation software with the world's most advanced traffic information so drivers can be better informed, avoid unnecessary delays and plan their daily journeys more efficiently. TomTom integrates this high definition traffic information seamlessly into destination planning.

Where traditional traffic information providers in the Netherlands cover approximately 45% of highways and provide no traffic information of secondary roads, TomTom's new High Definition Traffic monitors the entire main road network, which covers all highways and the vast majority of the secondary (N) roads.

In addition, the traffic data is refreshed every three minutes, providing drivers with up to five times more traffic updates compared to traditional traffic solutions. This allows users to easily plan the smartest route to their destination, knowing in advance when to leave and at what time they will arrive.

"With the knowledge about the actual road situation provided by TomTom HD Traffic, TomTom users will feel in control again. Congestion has become part of our lives, unfortunately, creating a clear need for better traffic information," says Harold Goddijn, chief executive officer of TomTom. "We cannot solve the problem of traffic jams and do not promise customers they will never be stuck in a traffic jam again. However, the new TomTom ONE XL High Definition Traffic allows users to easily plan the smartest route to their destination and to better be informed about real time delays. This way our users can make the right route choices at the right time - knowing that when they take an alternative route, it's actually better."

The TomTom ONE XL HD Traffic is available in the Netherlands from mid November 2007. An accessory that enables current TomTom users to receive High Definition Traffic information will be launched early 2008.

TomTom's new High Definition Traffic uses anonymously collected and processed traffic data using multiple sources and techniques:

• Traffic data generated by the movement patterns of mobile phones in cars, via Vodafone's Dutch GSM network 
• Third party information provided by traffic authorities and road operators

Via the Vodafone network, a live connection with the TomTom HD Traffic centre delivers traffic data to the TomTom XL HD Traffic every three minutes, twenty times an hour and five times more often than any other traffic information available on the market.

Through the unique combination of these sources, TomTom ONE XL HD Traffic customers receive traffic information faster, more accurate and more complete than previously available. This way users avoid unnecessary delays and have more peace of mind.

Furthermore, it gives customers a live overview of traffic throughout the Netherlands, so they can check the traffic situation before they set off on their journey or re-route in advance to stay on the smartest route.

The new TomTom ONE XL HD Traffic features a slim design with 4.3 inch touch screen for a better overview of the driver's surroundings and comes pre-installed with door-to-door maps of Europe. The integrated data connection provides customers with High Definition Traffic information straight out of the box, so no activation, configuration or installation is required. TomTom's latest software version allows drivers to make use of recently introduced technologies such as TomTom Map Share - to instantly make changes to the map and share corrections with others. Also included are extensive safety features such as TomTom's ‘Help Me!' Menu for roadside information and emergency assistance on route.

The TomTom ONE XL HD Traffic is available in shops in the Netherlands in the course of November 2007 and includes a 12 months High Definition Traffic subscription. The recommended retail price of the TomTom ONE XL HD Traffic is 399 Euro.

The High Definition Traffic subscription can be renewed at any time for only 9.95 euro per month, including costs for the live data connection.