TomTom add lifetime maps/traffic to $200+ PNDs

One of the more compelling aspects of a smartphone-based PND app that uses online mapping data is that you don't need to worry so much about the maps going stale; as long as the provider is on the ball, they can update their servers and you'll spend less time accidentally trying to turn the wrong direction up one-way streets.  Now TomTom are fighting back, with a new deal for certain PND models in their TomTom XL and TomTom XXL ranges that will deliver lifetime map and traffic updates.

The mapping data will be refreshed "every few months" according to TomTom, while the traffic information is updated every three minutes.  It'll be used in TomTom's proprietary IQ Routes system, which not only takes into account distance when calculating a journey, but the time of day at which you'll be making it.  Expect to pay $199.95 upward for a TomTom PND eligible for free updates.

Press Release:

TomTom Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates Now Available in North America

~ Lifetime Features Deliver the Most Up-To-Date Maps; Help Drivers Steer Clear of Traffic ~

CONCORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TomTom, the world's leading provider of location and navigation solutions, today announces the availability of a wide range of TomTom devices offering Lifetime Map Updates and Lifetime Traffic Updates. These new features empower users with the accuracy of TomTom's most up-to-date maps, as well as real-time traffic information that helps them avoid traffic delays and other hassles on the road. At no extra cost, customers will receive these updates for the useful life of the device.

"The nation's roads are changing every day, so TomTom is proud to offer Lifetime Map Updates on our portable navigation devices"

"The nation's roads are changing every day, so TomTom is proud to offer Lifetime Map Updates on our portable navigation devices," said Tom Murray, vice president of market development for TomTom Inc. "This feature, in conjunction with TomTom's Lifetime Traffic Updates, offers our customers the assurance that they will always have the industry's most accurate maps and the real-time traffic information they need for hassle-free navigation."

Lifetime Map Updates

TomTom's Lifetime Map Updates feature allows users to keep their maps fresh by downloading, every few months, the industry's most accurate and up-to-date maps. The maps include one million more miles than competing maps and, in certified tests, rate highest in terms of quality and reliability. The road network changes on average 18 percent annually, so they are continually refreshed to include improvements across the entire road network and updates to Points of Interest.

Lifetime Traffic Updates

TomTom's Lifetime Traffic Updates feature offers real-time insight into traffic events to help drivers avoid delays. The TomTom device receives the latest traffic information every three minutes, recalculates total drive time and suggests more efficient alternate routes if they are available.

All TomTom products featuring Lifetime Updates also include TomTom's proprietary IQ Routes™ Technology and TomTom Map Share™. IQ Routes offers the most efficient routing for any time of day or day of week. This feature, combined with the real-time traffic information via Lifetime Traffic Updates, ensures the very best routing possible. Map Share allows users to make map improvements on their device and share these improvements with the TomTom community.

Availability and Price

Select TomTom devices across the TomTom XL and TomTom XXL product lines are now available with Lifetime Map Updates, Lifetime Traffic Updates or a combination of these features. Pricing starts at $199.95 MSRP and varies by model.

For more information, please visit: www.tomtom.com

* TomTom devices featuring Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates are only available in North America.