XM NavTraffic Satellite Information Adds 6 Markets

XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7.6 million subscribers, today announced that its real-time XM NavTraffic satellite information service for GPS navigation will add six new markets thus allowing XM NavTraffic subscribers in the U.S. to access the real-time traffic data service in 50 major North American markets. And this starts on March 31.

The six new markets include Fresno, CA; Jacksonville, FL; Montreal, QB; Salt Lake City, UT; Toronto, ON; and Vancouver, BC. Additionally, Portland, OR also has an expanded coverage with traffic flow data available allowing drivers to see how fast the traffic is moving.

XM NavTraffic provides detailed NAVTEQ Traffic information overlaid on the navigation road map, allowing the navigation system to show the traffic conditions between you and your destination. The service provides data on incidents, such as accidents and road construction, directly to a vehicle's GPS navigation system via XM's satellite pipeline.

Through the traffic data service, the driver is alerted to these blockages. Hence, he could change his route so as to avoid getting caught in traffic. Where available, XM NavTraffic also offers information that allows users to view an overlay of color-coded traffic flow information, representing the average speed of travel along the driver's planned route. The traffic data is collected from data sources by NAVTEQ Traffic. Data sources include police and emergency services, road sensors, traffic cameras, commercial traffic data providers, eyewitness reports, and real-time aircraft surveillance reports.

XM NavTraffic offers considerable benefits including traffic flow speed information, indicating the average traffic speed along major highways, "Personalized Traffic Information" for current location and destination, visual presentation for clear "at-a-glance" communication, advanced notification of congestion along traveled route, and aids a driver to re-route around upcoming congestion.

NavTraffic is available as a factory-installed feature on new models that include Acura MDX, RDX, RL, TL; Cadillac CTS; Infiniti G35 Sedan; Lexus LS 460 L, LS 460, LS 600h L; and Nissan Altima. Every time aficionados open Nissan doors to enter the Altima, they could be ensured of the reliable traffic information from NavTraffic. Aftermarket parts and handheld units from Alpine, Garmin, Kenwood and Pioneer Electronics also feature the NavTraffic. XM NavTraffic is expected to be available in 200,000 vehicles by the end of next year.

"Consumers demand new methods for saving both time and money in their daily lives, particularly on their commute with gas prices once again on the rise," said Roderick MacKenzie, XM's VP of Advanced Applications and Services. He added, "XM NavTraffic's real-time traffic technology is a powerful and valuable tool, allowing commuters to reach their destinations quicker, spend less time sitting in traffic, and ultimately save money at the pump."