Tomtom announces integrated PND navigation for Fiat

[mvl]

Tomtom's Auto line has built an integrated Navigation system with Fiat, called Blue&ME - Tomtom.

It is described as "portable" and "integrated". So it is uncertain whether this is removable like the Eclipse, or permanently installed like the Carminat.

See link.

 

[mvl]

Looks like it's detachable - see link

 

[mikealder]

That looks like an x40 with a heavy duty (read horrible) Mount, its no more integrated with the car than any other x40 product when you look at the pictures - Even the 940 combined with the Brodit clip/ mount in my Volvo looks more like a factory fitted installation than that contraption - Mike

 

[mvl]

More details were released today. Looks like they did work on lots of car integration.

Blue&Me - TomTom, the new integrated infotainment system for Fiat drivers, is launched

~TomTom navigation solution fully integrated with Fiat's vehicle electronic system (Blue&Me)~

Amsterdam- 15 September 2009 - TomTom today unveils all details of the Blue&Me - TomTom, an integrated infotainment system with a portable navigation device co-developed with Fiat Group Automobiles. The Blue&Me - TomTom will deliver award-winning navigation technology to Fiat drivers by integrating it into multiple car models of Fiat Group Automobiles.
"This example of joint innovation will offer the best navigation solution to drivers in an in-car application, improving road safety, reducing negative effects on the environment and reducing stress for drivers," said Giles Shrimpton, TomTom's Managing Director Automotive. "The fact that the device will display the TomTom logo is testimony to our reputation for excellent navigation in an industry where automotive manufacturers rarely allow other logos to appear in their cars."
Developed to work seamlessly with the Blue&Me infotainment system, the device -- thanks to the collaboration of Magneti Marelli that supported its integration -- is an ideal addition to the dashboard and gives the driver even more from their navigation solution. As a result, it incorporates unique features designed to make the navigation experience simple, safe, effective and enjoyable.

• Steering wheel button control allows drivers to control the device without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.
• Hands-free calling means that users can operate their mobile phone via Blue&Me and the voice of the caller is transmitted via the car speakers.
• ecorive Info gives real-time information on driving style and suggestions for reducing environmental impact and optimising fuel consumption.
• Low fuel warning will show the driver the nearest petrol station when the Blue&Me system detects a low fuel level in the tank.
• Enhanced trip view gives drivers a clear view on all trip information, including average speed, fuel consumption and mileage driven at a glance.
• Specially-designed customisations, including start-up screen, Points of Interest, icons and menus. A special Points of Interest category shows petrol stations that offer natural gas.
• TomTom's unique technologies, like IQ Routes? to give drivers the confidence they have the fastest route, whatever the time or day.*

The device is integrated into the car through a dash dock, developed and produced by Magneti Marelli, which guarantees safety and stylish integration, and from which the device can be easily removed for use in other cars.
The Blue & Me - TomTom will offer maps of 45 European countries**. It will be available in Q4 2009.
Users will be able to update their device regularly by connecting to a co-branded version of TomTom HOME desktop software. This will also give them the opportunity to get new maps and content, including voices, POI sets, splash screens and icons.
The Fiat Punto Evo will be the first car model to offer Blue&Me - TomTom, with the solution later extended to other cars.
You can check out the Blue&Me - TomTom solution on the Fiat stand at Hall 6 of the IAA Motorshow in Frankfurt, from 17 - 27 September.
*TomTom IQ Routes applies the historical travel time experience of millions of drivers to calculate the fastest route possible. The technology is based on historical speed measurements for every time of day, one for every road segment, from large motorways to small local roads. In up to 35% of all cases, the use of IQ Routes results in driving a faster route, saving significant travel time as well as money and fuel.
**Turkey, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Russian Federation. Connecting roads: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Belarus.

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[gatorguy]

It's a standalone TomTom pnd that can be moved from car to car. But when mounted in the Fiat it uses an active mount developed by Magneti Marelli, another part of the Fiat group. Blue&Me was actually developed by Fiat and was used in a previous model, but with the navigation device from a much smaller Italian company. That one didn't work out that well.