Toyota Matrix Moves Asian American Film Forward

TORRANCE, Calif., March 2 /PRNewswire/ — The Toyota Matrix is proud to be the official vehicle sponsor of the 27th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, which runs from March 12-22, 2009. With over 100 films and videos showcasing at this year’s festival, Toyota Matrix is continuing its contribution to the promotion of Asian American arts for the second year in a row.

Toyota’s involvement with the largest festival of its kind in North America demonstrates the corporation’s continued support of Asian American arts. “Toyota is proud to support the Asian American arts community,” said Dionne Colvin, National Advertising Strategy Planning Manager. “Toyota’s ‘Moving Forward’ symbolizes the passion for innovation and discovery, and that is what Toyota wants to inspire in these artists.”

One of the many events that Toyota is participating in is the Festival Forum, a public outdoor feature film screening and performance event that was inaugurated in 2008. This year the Festival Forum will take place on Saturday, March 14, where Toyota will be hosting several different activities. The Toyota tent will be at the center of it all, with a vibrant Matrix display. Inside, the vehicle will have video monitors to screen exclusive music videos. Throughout the day, there will be live interviews and opportunities to meet and greet celebrities and filmmakers. The tent will also be equipped with a technology center where festival-goers can post live podcasts and webcasts. The excitement continues into the night at the Toyota Social Lounge after-party.

In addition to the Festival Forum, Toyota will be seen at various events through the week-long festival, including complimentary popcorn at special screenings, Matrix-designed t-shirts, and a Toyota car service that will shuttle guests from opening and closing night screenings to the after-parties.

To further enhance the Asian American film experience, Toyota developed its own cinema site, http://www.thedirectorschairsite.com. The site features exclusive interviews with Asian American filmmakers and actors and the latest movie reviews. Visitors can retrieve information about the upcoming festival as well as see video footage from last year’s.

For more information about the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, please visit http://festival.asianamericanmedia.org. And to find out more about the 2009 Toyota Matrix, visit http://www.toyota.com/matrix.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2008.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com,

www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

    Media Contact:
    Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
    Cindy Knight
    (310) 468-2170
    Cindy_Knight@Toyota.com

    interTrend Communications, Inc.
    Jennifer Chang
    (562) 733-1855
    Jennifer@intertrend.com

    SFIAAFF
    Natalie Mulford
    (415) 863-0814 x208
    nmulford@asianamericanmedia.org

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

• 2006 Toyota Camry LE – $250 Referral CASH
• vinyl lettering for your vehicle, truck, van, boat, etc (Portland, Gresham, Vancouver)

Spartan Motors to Attend Next Generation’s Industrials Investor Conference

CHARLOTTE, Mich., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Jim Knapp, chief
financial officer of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), will attend Next
Generation Equity Research’s Third Annual Industrials Conference on March 3 at
the Hyatt Regency hotel, 151 E. Wacker Drive, in Chicago.

Next Generation’s Industrials Conference provides institutional investors
with access to management through a series of one-on-one and small group
meetings. More information on the conference is located at
http://www.nextgenres.com. Spartan previously attended the Next Generation
Industrials Conferences in 2007 and 2008.

About Spartan Motors

Spartan Motors, Inc. (www.spartanmotors.com) designs, engineers and
manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire
truck, ambulance, emergency-rescue and specialty vehicle markets. The
company’s brand names — Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire
Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM) — are known for quality, value, service and
being the first to market with innovative products. The company employs
approximately 1,200 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina
and South Dakota. Spartan reported sales of $844.4 million in 2008 and is
focused on becoming the premier manufacturer of specialty vehicles and chassis
in North America.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

• Winter Storm Will Affect Flights in the Northeast Through Tuesday
• WEBCAST: An Automotive Industry Study on Vendor Tooling

Baseball Players and Fans Have ‘35 Days to Shine’

Turtle Wax(R) and Baseball Great Mike Schmidt Offer Car Care Tips to Turn Amateurs into Pros

CHICAGO, March 2 /PRNewswire/ — With Spring Training underway, it’s the start of a new season for baseball fans. For some, the beginning of baseball season also indicates that warm weather is just around the corner. Turtle Wax(R) and baseball great Mike Schmidt want fans to take this time to care for their cars. Just like your favorite players trying to make the cut and polish off their skills after a winter off, fans have “35 Days to Shine” and polish off their cars for summer driving season.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090302/CG76027)

From March 1-April 5, 2009, Turtle Wax and the legendary former Philadelphia third baseman encourage consumers to spend the next 35 days showing their cars some extra attention. Spring is the perfect time to treat your car to a good cleaning and protect it with a coat of wax. The debris that accumulates on a vehicle’s surface during the colder months can lead to permanent damage down the road. The longer it stays there, the more damage it can do.

“I take great pride in my team, the Phillies, helping them get ready for the season ahead,” said Schmidt. “During Spring Training, fans can take pride in their cars by preparing them for summer driving, which means washing off any debris and really making them sparkle with a good coat of wax. Taking care of your car’s appearance not only keeps it looking new, but can protect your vehicle investment.”

As an alternative to taking your car to a car wash, Turtle Wax suggests a do-it-yourself approach. By investing in the necessary products now, there can be a cost savings of more than $200 over a six-month period. The total upfront investment for at-home wash and wax products and accessories is around $50, and the products will last for months, compared to $20 professional car cleaning every other week. Turtle Wax suggests the following easy steps, using high-quality car care products, to turn an amateur into a pro and get a get a flawless looking car wash in your own driveway:

Wash: The first step is to wash away the dirt and grime on the vehicle’s surface. For best results, use a product that will deep clean the vehicle’s exterior and remove any stubborn dirt and stains. Turtle Wax(R) ICE(R) Car Wash is a clean rinsing formula that is safe for all finishes.

Wax: After the vehicle is clean of all surface contaminants, it’s time to wax. Waxing helps restore color and shine left behind from bad weather and road debris and leaves behind a protective barrier to help prevent scratches, swirl marks and other surface contaminants from damaging the finish. Turtle Wax(R) ICE(R) Liquid Polish goes on easy and creates exceptional shine.

Wheels and Tires: In addition to the vehicle’s finish, cleaning and protecting wheels will help keep cars looking like new. Turtle Wax(R) ICE(R) Wheel and Tire Cleaner easily cuts through brake dust and road debris on all wheel and tire surfaces. The detachable unique ICE(R) Edge(TM) Brush helps clean intricate wheel areas effortlessly.

Interior: To prevent stains and permanent discoloration, it’s important to clean interior surfaces, including carpeting, upholstery and inside door panels. Turtle Wax’s ICE(R) Total Interior Care can be used on all interior surfaces and leaves behind a barrier and non-greasy shine.

“Washing and waxing your own car isn’t what it used to be,” said Mike Schultz, senior vice president of product development for Turtle Wax. “With today’s innovative products, a complete detail can take less than an hour. And with people holding onto their cars for longer, it’s becoming increasingly important to keep your car clean and protected, not to mention maximize trade-in value.”

As part of the “35 Days to Shine” campaign, customers can enter to win the Turtle Wax(R) “Ultimate Baseball Getaway.” From March 1- May 1, 2009, fans can log on to www.TurtleWax.com/35DaysToShine and submit a short essay on why they are the biggest baseball fan out there. The best entry will win a trip for two to Turtle Wax’s home city of Chicago for a weekend of Cubs baseball at the historic Wrigley Field. The winner will also receive a Turtle Wax(R) product bundle to get their car in tip-top shape. Customers can also upload a photo of themselves with their car for a chance to appear on the Web site.

Schmidt spent his entire 18-year career in Philadelphia, carving out a legacy at third base. He played in five League Championship Series and two World Series, and was voted National League MVP three times. Since retiring, Schmidt has stayed active within the Phillies organization and in 1995 was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

About Turtle Wax

Turtle Wax(R) is the number one selling brand of car care products in the world with sales in 90 countries. Founded more than 60 years ago in Chicago, the company is recognized for manufacturing environmentally-friendly appearance and performance car care products for the retail consumer market and the commercial car care and professional detailing industries.

About Turtle Wax ICE

Turtle Wax(R) ICE(R) line is a full car care system of ultra-premium products formulated to work with changing vehicle technology. The ICE line features cutting edge innovation that cleans and polishes without leaving a white powdery residue or staining trim. The full line includes ICE Car Wash, ICE Ultimate Finish Clay Kit, ICE Paste Polish, ICE Liquid Polish, ICE Spray Detailer, ICE Total Interior, ICE Wheel & Tire Cleaner and ICE Tire Shine.

    Media Contact:
    Liz Risoldi
    Zeno Group for Turtle Wax
    liz.risoldi@zenogroup.com
    (312) 396-9730

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

• Lincoln Navigator allrad test im Schnee
• WEBCAST: An Automotive Industry Study on Vendor Tooling

New Honeywell Turbo Technology Redefines Efficiency and Performance of Diesel V-Engines

Innovative Sequential Boosting System Enables V8 Performance in a V6 Engine

ROLLE, Switzerland, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Honeywell (NYSE: HON) has launched a unique groundbreaking turbo technology that is enabling the new Jaguar XF 3.0L V6 Diesel to reduce fuel consumption by 12% and CO2 emissions by 10% compared to its predecessor. In addition, this new boosting system allows the V6 engine to achieve performance levels of current V8 diesel engines.

Honeywell partnered with Ford and Jaguar to develop a sequential boosting system optimized for packaging on a V-Engine configuration. Ford, Jaguar and Honeywell engineers have overcome the challenge of packaging this innovative boosting configuration in the limited V architecture space, enabling automotive designers greater freedom to optimize the vehicle for aerodynamics, weight and crash safety without compromising the stunning car design.

“We are proud to be a part of the most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar diesel ever created,” said Alex Ismail, President, Honeywell Turbo Technologies. “This technological achievement sets a new milestone in turbo performance and highlights the determination of Honeywell to provide its customers with world-leading technologies.”

The system is comprised of two small turbos and a Honeywell patented sequential control technology. A VNT(TM) turbo provides boost at low engine speeds, maximizing driveability and fuel economy, while the second free-floating turbo is activated in parallel at high engine speeds to deliver best-in-class peak power. A Honeywell patented sequential control valve ensures a smooth transition.

The new turbo system helps to produce a staggering 600Nm of torque (38% higher than the outgoing V6) and is a step up from the Honeywell pioneered bi-turbo architecture for diesel V-Engine applications. The technology enables customers to significantly improve fuel efficiency and performance in an environment unsuited to 2-Stage architecture due to space constraints.

As the leading turbocharger developer in the world, Honeywell expects the global turbocharger segment to grow from 30% of the overall automotive market to more than 38% by 2013 as automakers look to boost engines to help increase fuel-efficiency and reduce harmful exhaust emissions without sacrificing performance.

Honeywell Turbo Technologies is a business unit of Honeywell Transportation Systems, which also consists of Consumer Products Group and Friction Materials. As a leading automotive supplier, Honeywell Transportation Systems enhances vehicle performance, efficiency and appearance through state-of-the-art technologies, world-class brands, and global solutions tailored for its automotive customers around the world.

Honeywell International is a $37 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about future business operations, financial performance and market conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business forecasts as further described in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

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WEBCAST: An Automotive Industry Study on Vendor Tooling

In-depth analysis on current OEM and supplier tooling practices by Harbour-Felax Group

DETROIT, March 2 /PRNewswire/ –

    WHAT:       As all eyes are on the automotive industry and what needs to
                be done to fix it, Laurie Harbour-Felax, president, Harbour-
                Felax Group will present findings and analysis on Vendor
                Tooling: The Not-So-Missing Link. This study looks at key
                areas within the industry that can reduce inefficiencies and
                save money. It also looks at the overarching cultural issues
                that drive cost, specifically in product development,
                purchasing and manufacturing. The study sheds light on
                actionable solutions that can help repair the automotive
                industry.

    STUDY
    DETAILS:    Vendor Tooling: The Not-So-Missing Link study is based on
                previously-unseen data from six major automakers. Highlights
                include in-depth analysis on current vendor tooling practices
                of the automotive industry, insight on the current profit-per-
                vehicle gap and the culture shift necessary for OEMs and
                suppliers to collaborate effectively and efficiently. Focuses
                of this discussion will include:

                Product Development: Advantages of common body architecture
                and components, inefficiencies of high-cost design differences
                and quantity of engineering changes per automaker program.

                Purchasing: Data representing over $1 billion in tooling
                expenditures, which reveal widely used practices in purchasing
                that affect automakers and major suppliers.

                Manufacturing: True impact of manufacturing due to tooling
                decisions, as well as the benefits of global product
                commonality.

                Foreign Build Process: Cost differences in production of
                similar tools domestically and in low-cost countries.

    WHO:        Laurie Harbour-Felax, president, Harbour-Felax Group

    WHEN:       March 9, 2009
                10 a.m. ET

    WHERE:      To register for the webcast and live Q&A, visit
               http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=56316

    CONTACT:    Jessica Howell, Eisbrenner Public Relations
                Office: 248-641-1446, E-mail: jhowell@eisbrenner.com

Harbour-Felax Group

Harbour-Felax Group partners with companies and their suppliers to transform their operations and develop a roadmap for maintaining sustainability in today’s automotive and manufacturing communities. A team of highly skilled and experienced consultants, Harbour-Felax Group and their partners have real-world experience in all aspects of manufacturing. Harbour-Felax Group analyzes a company’s operations compared to its competitors, identifies existing gaps, develops a road map to correct those gaps and implements a sustainable transformation process to achieve success. www.harbourfelax.com

Minimum Requirements to listen to broadcast:

Windows Media Player software, downloadable free from http://www.microsoft.com and at least a 56Kbps connection to the Internet.

If you experience problems listening to the webcast, send an E-mail to: webcast@multivu.com.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

• 2009 Toyota Corolla Milwaukee WI
• Lincoln Navigator allrad test im Schnee

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited (OTC Bulletin Board: BCAHY; HKEx: 1114) Announces Deregistration Under The United States Securities Exchange Act

HONG KONG, March 2 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ — Brilliance China
Automotive Holdings Limited (the ”Company”) (OTC Bulletin Board: BCAHY; SEHK:
1114) has filed today with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the ”SEC”) a Form 15F to deregister the ordinary shares
underlying its American Depositary Shares (”ADSs”) under the United States
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ”Exchange Act”). The
Company’s reporting obligations under the Exchange Act will be suspended
immediately upon such filing. The deregistration is expected to become
effective 90 days after the filing of the Form 15F unless earlier withdrawn by
the Company or denied by the SEC.

The decision to deregister has been reached in view of the low trading
volume of the Company’s ADSs and the increase in administrative costs and
human resources required to comply with US reporting and registration
obligations. The Company’s ordinary shares will continue to be listed and
traded on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited after the
deregistration.

    For further information, please contact:

     Lisa Ng
     Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited
     Tel: +852-2523-7227

     Carol Lau
     CMGRP (Hong Kong) Limited
     Tel: +852-2533-9981

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

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NAVIGON Unveils First Intelligent GPS Devices that Learn From Individual Driving Habits

NAVIGON 4300T max and 3300 max units pack NAVIGON MyRoutes(TM), Spoken Traffic Updates and Clickable POI features into a sleek and slim 4.3 inch design

CHICAGO, March 2 /PRNewswire/ — NAVIGON, the leading innovator in the navigation market, today announced two new widescreen GPS devices, the NAVIGON 4300T max and 3300 max. These are the first intelligent GPS devices on the market to deliver personalized route recommendations based on individual driving habits.

NAVIGON MyRoutes(TM)

As an industry-first, the NAVIGON 4300T max and 3300 max both include the new intelligent NAVIGON MyRoutes(TM) feature that takes individualized navigation to a new level and allows a unique way of personal route planning. The feature provides up to three route choices with distance and ETA calculated for all entered destinations, factoring in speed limits, construction and traffic as you’re driving. All routes are clearly displayed on a map with ETA and driving time giving the driver a choice. The system continuously saves the driver’s individual driving data in order to provide the best individual route possible and recommends a route based on the user’s driving habits, the day of week and time of travel.

“Our new NAVIGON MyRoutes feature proves once again that NAVIGON is truly leading innovation in the GPS category by offering the user an intelligent and individualized route recommendation,” said Michael Roach, NAVIGON’s president for the Americas. “While others continue to compete on price at the expense of the user experience, NAVIGON is dedicated to delivering superior features and superior value across our portfolio. Any device can get you from point A to point B, but the real challenge is delivering an experience that helps our customers overcome the challenges they face every day on the road. Both the NAVIGON 4300T max and the 3300 max meet those challenges.”

The NAVIGON 4300T max and 3300 max represent the next generation of portable navigation and carry forward NAVIGON’s uncompromised tradition of innovative and useful features that clearly showcase unparalleled value relative to anything else in the market. The NAVIGON 4300T max is packed with premium features that assist with any challenge you may face on the road – including traffic, construction, phone calls and poorly marked exits. Additionally, the value-oriented NAVIGON 3300 max delivers an exceptional array of stress-busting features that provide more guidance than comparable products.

The NAVIGON 4300T max

The NAVIGON 4300T max delivers a navigation experience unlike any other, offering a unique combination of style and exclusive, useful features. Boasting a wide 4.3″ touchscreen with a chrome-accented, piano-black housing, the NAVIGON 4300T max helps you overcome anything the road throws at you. Real-Time Spoken Traffic Updates automatically notify you of upcoming traffic congestion and re-route you with the touch of a button. Traffic alerts are not only delivered audibly, but are also free for the life of the product. And for the first time on a GPS device, the NAVIGON 4300T max includes valuable Rand McNally navigation content including Best of the Road(R), Weekend Getaways, Scenic Tours and Regional Trips. An all-new Bluetooth(R) hands-free application lets you manage your phone calls while keeping your hands on the wheel.

The NAVIGON 4300T max also showcases many of the trademark premium features that have placed NAVIGON as the leading innovator in the market, such as Reality View (TM), Text-to-Speech, Exit Guide and Lane Assistant Pro. With a combination of superior features and style, the NAVIGON 4300T max is the clear choice for those looking for a complete navigation experience.

The NAVIGON 3300 max

The NAVIGON 3300 max provides more for less. The device is fully loaded with more useful features and better guidance than any other device in its class offering a superior value that goes well beyond the basics.

Featuring a wide 4.3″ touchscreen, the sleek and slim NAVIGON 3300 max packs a host of stress-busting features to get you where to want to go with fewer headaches along the way. Innovative features like Reality View(TM) for Exits and Lane Assistant Pro provide that extra direction when you need it most–so you never miss an exit or a turn again. Keep your eyes on the road with advanced text-to-speech technology that provides spoken driving directions and street names. With NAVIGON’s exclusive Exit Guide feature, you can take the guesswork out of highway travel by searching upcoming exits for the restaurant, rest area, hotel or gas station of your choice. DirectHelp(SM) provides instant access to directions and phone numbers to nearby emergency service providers. A new Clickable POIs feature guides you to destinations shown on the map with one click. The latest generation of NAVIGON software, along with NAVIGON’s SmartSpeller feature to help guide through the entry process, makes entering and finding information fast and simple with fewer clicks. Basic yet brilliant, the NAVIGON 3300 max delivers useful features at a greater value to help make your everyday travel less stressful.

The NAVIGON 4300T max and 3300 max devices sell for $279.99 and $199.99 (MSRP) respectively and will be available at retailers in Q2 2009. Pre-orders can be placed at the following retailers starting March 9: Amazon.com, CompUSA.com, Crutchfield.com, JR.com and TigerDirect.com.

NAVIGON offers a variety of additional content and upgrades for both devices. NAVIGON’s optional FreshMaps accessory provides up to 8 map updates over two years for $79.99 (MSRP). If the user activates FreshMaps within 30 days after purchasing the device, the price is only $39.99. Zagat(R) Ratings and Reviews showing where to wine, dine, and unwind are available as an upgrade for $19.99 (MSRP). The NAVIGON 3300 max is also compatible with NAVIGON’s new Real-Time Spoken Traffic Updates and Rand McNally Scenic Routes accessories, with respective prices of $99.99 and $19.99 (MSRP).

For more information and images, please visit www.navigon.com.

The NAVIGON 4300T max features include:

• Free Real-Time Spoken Traffic Updates
• Rand McNally Scenic Routes
• Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free
• Reality View(TM) Pro

Both the NAVIGON 4300T max and 3300 max devices feature:

• NAVIGON MyRoutes(TM)
• Clickable POIs
• Lane Assistant Pro
• Reality View(TM) for Exits
• Fast Destination Entry
• Advanced Text-to-speech
• Exit Guide
• DirectHelp(SM)
• Speed Assistant
• Multi-Destination Trip Planning
• Automatic Standby Feature
• Favorites as POI
• Coordinate Input
• Automatic Day/Night Mode

About NAVIGON

NAVIGON INC. is one of the world’s leading providers of navigation products and software solutions. NAVIGON makes its own navigation brand consumer products and creates software solutions for OEM customers operating in personal navigation, wireless, and automotive sectors. Founded in 1991, NAVIGON is present in Europe, North America and Asia. For more information, visit www.navigon.com.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

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New NAVIGON 7300T GPS Takes 3D Views, Traffic Updates and Voice Command to a New Level

Device also includes new intelligent NAVIGON MyRoutes(TM) feature that learns from individual driving habits

CHICAGO, March 2 /PRNewswire/ — NAVIGON, the leading innovator in the navigation market, today announced the next generation of NAVIGON’s highly acclaimed 7000-series platform, the NAVIGON 7300T. The ultra-stylish personal navigation device (PND) showcases an array of innovative features, including a new level of 3D visualization showing surrounding landscapes and important landmarks, Free Real-Time Spoken Traffic Updates and next-generation Voice Control, helping the user to control the device hands-free by speaking a wide variety of commands.

For the first time, NAVIGON combines its highly praised Panorama View 3D and Landmark View 3D features in one device, the NAVIGON 7300T. This gives the user a real 3D experience showing surrounding landscapes as well as important landmarks. Panorama View 3D brings a true 3D experience to the NAVIGON 7300T’s map using NASA terrain height data to provide geographic guidance complete with rolling hills and digital elevations. Landmark View 3D shows hundreds of richly-textured 3D landmarks across the U.S. and Canada such as the Empire State Building and the White House, as well as sports stadiums from coast to coast.

As an industry-first, the NAVIGON 7300T includes the new intelligent NAVIGON MyRoutes(TM) feature, taking individualized navigation to a new level and introducing a unique way of intelligent and personal route planning. The feature provides up to three route choices with distance and ETA calculated for all entered destinations, factoring in speed limits, construction and traffic as you’re driving. All routes are clearly displayed on a map with ETA and driving time giving the driver a choice. The system continuously saves the driver’s individual driving data in order to provide the best individual route possible and recommends a route based on the user’s driving habits, the day of week and time of travel.

NAVIGON takes its pioneering tradition in real-time traffic a step further by making it even easier to recognize issues ahead and route around traffic. The new NAVIGON 7300T now speaks traffic updates in addition to presenting them on the display. It also displays an alternative route around traffic on a map including the up-to-date ETA and distance. NAVIGON offers spoken real-time traffic updates for free for the life of the device. No subscriptions or additional hardware needed. Covering 95 markets across the U.S. and Canada, the NAVIGON 7300T will audibly alert you of traffic troubles and provide alternate routes.

The NAVIGON 7300T also boasts an all-new Voice Address Entry and Control feature, that not only makes inputting addresses simple, but also allows the user to control the device hands-free by speaking a wide variety of commands. This means that the driver can use the menu, adjust the volume or answer phone calls simply using his or her voice. Additionally, NAVIGON has designed the new voice-based feature to operate using more casual, less specific, language. For instance, the device volume can be increased by saying a variety of commands in much more casual language, such as “increase volume to eight” or “please make it louder.”

NAVIGON’s 7300T device is the first GPS system on the market to feature Rand McNally Scenic Routes content. Based on Rand McNally’s Best of the Road (R) series, the NAVIGON 7300T includes over 250 routes such as Weekend Getaways, Scenic Tours and Regional Trips. These routes show the most beautiful vistas and breathtaking landscapes the U.S. and Canada have to offer. Scenic routes are a perfect option for a unique vacation to enjoy with the whole family or as an alternative to normal highway driving.

Building upon NAVIGON’s tradition of developing products that channel the company’s heritage of fine German engineering and design, the NAVIGON 7300T takes style to a new level with an extra-wide, flat-panel touchscreen enclosed in a sleek, frameless piano black housing. NAVIGON’s design focus goes beyond the exterior of the 7300T. When compared with other GPS devices, NAVIGON’s rich maps and menus provide for a more sophisticated, intuitive interface.

“NAVIGON continues its pioneering tradition of driving more useful and innovative features into every new product we introduce,” said Michael Roach, NAVIGON’s president for the Americas. “The 7300T is the pinnacle of NAVIGON’s vision, combining our uncompromised design focus with a set of unmatched, relevant, next-generation features. The 7300T is truly a stand-out, delivering an experience that adds a greater level of peace of mind, productivity, and adventure than anything else on the market today.”

In addition to a number of new features, the NAVIGON 7300T is equipped with features that have become hallmarks of NAVIGON’s premium navigation experience. Reality View(TM) Pro and Lane Assistant Pro provide that extra direction when you need it most–so you’ll never miss an exit or a turn again. Advanced text-to-speech technology helps you keep your eyes on the road by providing spoken driving directions and street names. Only NAVIGON can show where to wine, dine, and unwind with a built-in, exclusive ZAGAT guide that includes more than 27,000 listings across the U.S. and Canada spanning hotels, nightclubs, attractions and golf courses. With NAVIGON’s exclusive Exit Guide feature, you can take the guesswork out of highway travel by searching upcoming exits for the restaurant, rest area, hotel or gas station of your choice. DirectHelp(SM) provides instant access to directions and phone numbers to nearby emergency service providers. A new Clickable POIs feature guides you to destinations shown on the map with one click. The latest generation of NAVIGON software makes entering and finding information fast and simple with fewer clicks.

The NAVIGON 7300T sells for $399.99 (MSRP) and will be available at retailers in Q2 2009. It is compatible with NAVIGON’s optional FreshMaps accessory, which provides up to 8 map updates over two years for $79.99 (MSRP). If the user activates FreshMaps within 30 days after purchasing the device, the price is only $39.99.

For more information and images, please visit www.navigon.com.

The NAVIGON 7300T features include:

• NAVIGON MyRoutes(TM)
• Free Real-Time Spoken Traffic Updates
• Voice Address Entry and Control
• Panorama View 3D and Landmark View 3D
• Rand McNally Scenic Routes
• Clickable POIs
• Reality View(TM) Pro
• Lane Assistant Pro
• Fast Destination Entry
• Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free
• Advanced Text-to-speech
• Zagat(R) Ratings and Reviews
• Exit Guide
• DirectHelp(SM)
• Speed Assistant
• Multi-Destination Trip Planning
• Automatic Standby Feature
• Favorites as POI
• Coordinate Input
• Automatic Day/Night Mode

About NAVIGON

NAVIGON INC. is one of the world’s leading providers of navigation products and software solutions. NAVIGON makes its own navigation brand consumer products and creates software solutions for OEM customers operating in personal navigation, wireless, and automotive sectors. Founded in 1991, NAVIGON is present in Europe, North America and Asia. For more information, visit www.navigon.com.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

• Toyota
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