TomTom enters India with navigation systems

Team OD Updated: May 09, 2013, 04:16 PM IST

TomTom, the Dutch navigation system maker has made its official debut in the Indian market. The company has unveiled three new productsâ€" Via 100, Via 120 and Via 125. The Via 120 and Via 125 models will have a Voice Control functionality which lets the driver communicate verbally with the navigation system.

Users will also get access to the 'Help Me!' emergency menu which will provide information about hospitals and other such emergency services. The company, which will source the hardware from China, is also introducing its unique Landmark Navigation functionality where users can find a particular destination by searching for the nearest landmark.

The customers can avail these products from next month at a starting price of Rs 15,000. The product range is available via retailers such as Reliance Digital, Reliance Autozone, Carnation and about 70 car accessories outlets in the country.

TomTom has been building maps for the Indian market since the past ten years. The products will cover 5,000 cities and towns across the country. The company will have its headquarters in Pune.

Here is the Press release

Pune, 27 September 2011 â€" The launch of the new TomTom "Via Series" today makes TomTom the first navigation provider to bring Landmark Navigation to India. Packed with innovative features and designed for convenience, the TomTom "Via Series" makes premium navigation experience accessible to everyone.

"Today we are launching TomTom Via 100, Via 120, and Via 125 to bring a higher level of portable navigation device for the Indian consumer â€" with the maximum quality and convenience," says Jocelyn Vigreux, General Manager and Senior Vice-President of TomTom India. "We are setting a new standard for the Indian market and elevating the consumer demand with the exciting new Voice Control functionality and the firstly ever introduced Landmark Navigation in India."

TomTom users in India will get the added benefit of the TomTom 'Help Me!' emergency menu, putting local emergency service information at their fingertips. From hospitals to roadside assistance, this feature offers everything a driver could need to stay safe on the roads.

A first for the Indian market, TomTom India introduces its unique Landmark Navigation functionality which lets drivers plan their journey in an easier way. With this functionality drivers will be able to search for the nearest landmark, whether that's a monument, park or an attraction in a simple way, and let their TomTom portable navigation device show them the route.

In addition to that, the Via 120 and Via 125 models will have newly introduced Voice Control functionality which lets drivers operate their TomTom portable navigation device simply by talking without compromising on safety. Drivers will be able to speak commands and navigate with ease â€" all without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. Furthermore, these two models will bring high quality mobile car kit feature (via Bluetooth), allowing drivers to use their device to make hands-free phone calls.

The TomTom Via Series also has the added convenience of a brand-new foldaway mount which is integrated with the device. This clever mounting system has been specifically designed and attaches to the windscreen with ease and, using the optional mounting disk, drivers can turn the device 180 degrees. A sensor flips the screen the right way up, enabling them to position it wherever suits them best.

With the TomTom Via Series, drivers can see more and drive with ease thanks to a new user interface, plus a choice of 11cm (4.3") or 13cm (5") touch screen for the easiest operation.

Additionally, every device comes with the richest and most complete maps of India. With more detailed Points of Interest (POIs) and nearly 100% coverage of more than 5,000 cities and towns across India. These maps put even more information at drivers' fingertips which enables a smarter and more powerful navigation experience.

TomTom Via 120 and Via 125 are wrapped up in a stylish, brushed aluminium design, with a diamond-cut, bezel-edged screen.

Availability and pricing

The TomTom Via 100, Via 120, and Via 125 will be available next month starting from 15,000 INR available in leading retailers such as Reliance Digital, Reliance Autozone, Car Nation, and about 70 more independent car accessories stores nationwide. It will be also available on-line at Flipkart.

Key features of the TomTom Via:

Landmark Navigation

Hands-free calling via Bluetooth (optional)

Integrated mounting with flip screen

Most complete maps of India

Advanced lane guidance

Spoken street names

Voice Control (optional)

11cm (4.3") OR 13cm (5") touch screen