TOMTOM LIVE GIVES RENAULT DRIVERS EDGE

Renault South Africa has confirmed the introduction of the latest TomTom satellite navigation system in a growing number of its model ranges. Known as TomTom Live, the system offers several key new features.

Roll-out of the new system has already commenced. It is set to become a standard feature of all Renault models equipped with integrated Carminat TomTom navigation as standard, starting with the latest Renault Mégane GT Line models introduced at the end of May. 

By 2012, all TomTom satnav-equipped Renault models will feature the Live system, making it the only vehicle manufacturer offering integrated satellite navigation with live feedback about traffic conditions.

Introducing TomTom Live is further proof of how Renault continues to lead the way as far as advanced yet affordable integrated satellite navigation in cars is concerned. The benefit of TomTom Live is a real-time traffic feed, linked to automatic re-routing around areas of congestion to minimise delays. For users of the system, this will generally mean less wasted time in traffic, adding to the overall enjoyment of owning and driving a Renault.

This is borne out by a local traffic survey conducted by TomTom in March this year. The survey highlighted several interesting points, including the fact that an astonishing 78% of the approximately 3.8 million drivers in Johannesburg are stuck in severe traffic jams daily, leading to fatigue, a loss of productivity, and a lack of motivation.

Nationally, some 25% of all drivers spend 45 minutes or more in traffic daily, while 30% of Gauteng drivers have to endure the same fate. Carminat TomTom is the result of a partnership between the global satnav provider and Renault dating back to 2009. The system is continuously developed and improved to enhance the customer experience.

The most recent functions to be added include IQ Routes (which proposes itineraries based on real-world traffic flow statistics) and Advanced Lane Guidance (which provides advanced views of junctions and lanes). 

However, perhaps the most exciting development is TomTom Live, which came on stream in June. It includes HD Traffic, a real-time traffic information system widely considered the best of its kind in those markets where it’s marketed.

TomTom Live also includes road safety alerts and local Search with Google, which uses an intuitive, high-performance search engine to localise almost 20 million points of interest. A 5-day weather forecast service is also included.

Buyers of Renault products equipped with the Carminat TomTom Live system will benefit from a free three-month trial subscription, provided by Renault South Africa as a value-added service. Thereafter, they can opt for either a one-year or a three-year paid subscription to the live traffic service.

STORY BY RENAULT