BMW adds no charge real-time navigation based traffic updates to some vehicles

BMW ADDS REAL TIME TRAFFIC INFORMATION TO ITS NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Navigation Systems In Select 2007 BMWs Enhanced With Traffic and Rerouting Information For Major Metropolitan Areas Across The U.S.

New Benefit Added At No Additional Monthly Cost To Customer

Underscoring its commitment to delivering industry-leading service, technology, and innovation, BMW today announced the availability of Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI). This new premium service feature will offer timely traffic information and for the first time on any production vehicle sold in the United States, dynamic rerouting on navigation systems in select 2007 BMW models, ie. the X5, M5, M6, and the 3, 5, and 6 Series models. Set to launch this September, RTTI represents the company's latest addition to its list of premium consumer features and benefits.

"As an independent company deeply rooted in innovation, we are extremely excited to add RTTI to our robust suite of offerings," said Alan Harris, Vice President of Aftersales for BMW of North America. "At no recurring cost to the customer, RTTI transforms the navigation system from an option that is mainly used only when customers are lost or going to an unknown destination, to a daily benefit that helps them reach their destinations more efficiently and effortlessly than ever before. We will continue to seek groundbreaking ideas, technologies and features that give drivers peace of mind and improve the daily driving experience."

Unlike other automobile manufacturers that charge a recurring monthly fee for RTTI, or require customers to pay for an additional satellite radio service, BMW has included RTTI as part of the cost of the navigation system for select 2007 BMW models. There are no activation fees or recurring monthly charges to BMW customers for 4 years.

BMW's new RTTI service will be available in as many as 44 major metropolitan markets through Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network, Clear Channel Radio's award-winning programming and technology service that delivers Real Time Traffic Information directly to vehicles over its extensive network of FM radio stations.

With the help of Clear Channel's broadcast network, customers no longer have to search for traffic reports on radio stations to be in-the-know about traffic situations. Up-to-date traffic information is compiled from a variety of sources including FM radio stations, highway-embedded sensors, video monitors on bridges and roadways, and local traffic monitoring centers. Traffic data is then streamed to a dedicated tuner in the car's radio and transferred directly to the navigation system. So customers can receive traffic updates from a variety of stations, 24 hours a day, seven days a week-even when the radio is turned off or when the customer is listening to other entertainment sources such as a CD or iPod. The navigation system calculates the best route considering the traffic incidents and potential delays. In addition to alerting the driver to where the traffic is, if the delay is calculated to be more than 5 minutes then the navigation system will offer alternative routes around the congestion, either automatically or at the choice of the driver.

BMW-A Company of Ideas

BMW has a unique corporate culture which puts a premium on constant innovation and inspiration. This is reflected in projects like BMW CleanEnergy, BMW's commitment to a sustainable future for mobility using renewable hydrogen fuel, BMW Design, which sets trends in interior and exterior styling, and the award-winning BMW FILMS. BMW believes there is nothing more rewarding than helping great ideas live on.

crackityjones - 9/7/2006 1:20:30 PM

-1 Boost

Will, put a sock in it, will ya?

A good idea is a good idea. Especially since they're making it a free part of the nav system.

(If iDrive can handle real-time, since it's kinda slow.)

DallasMR2 - 9/7/2006 1:38:53 PM

+2 Boost

it was a great idea when Acrua started it, and now BMW is making it even better by making it free.
it's funny how many people still have that misconception that even having a NAV system in the car means you have to pay a monthly fee.

TauronLB - 9/7/2006 2:21:38 PM

+2 Boost

Did you notice the 7 series was missing from that list?
T

TauronLB - 9/7/2006 2:23:13 PM

+2 Boost

...Also its only free for 4 years.
T

vdiv - 9/7/2006 3:51:35 PM

+2 Boost

in 4 years your navigation system and real time traffic receiver will be obsolete. besides a vehicle 4 years old is no longer considered luxury, so what do you care. just lease the suckers and fly free after you are done.

BMWRocks - 9/7/2006 4:24:51 PM

+2 Boost

I need a new BMW. They just keep getting better. Love this company, "and its free!"

mstangpny07 - 9/7/2006 4:53:56 PM

0 Boost

The real-time system has some flaws, too. It only works in big cities, and sometimes the info is delayed/ or wrong. An accident could be cleared, and it would still show up as a delay. Good idea anyways.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 9/7/2006 8:39:12 PM

0 Boost

they arent putting it in their cars because of acura. THey are finally doing it because lexus has it on their new LS and then mercedes will have it later on.

BMW is nervous that the LS has it. period.

is the one on lexus free? lol hopefully

audiot - 9/7/2006 8:39:50 PM

+3 Boost

It seems some people here really hate BMW. That's cool, but think of how a free service can cause your favorite car maker to follow suit. (Like BMW's free-scheduled maintenance. Yes, Audi just canceled theirs, but I'm sure '06 buyers aren't complaining!)

Even if it's only for 4 years, it's a good start for the category. Nothing really bad about getting something for free... don't you think?

vcowman - 9/7/2006 10:19:35 PM

0 Boost

*love*

AUDIMAN4 - 9/8/2006 1:55:37 AM

-1 Boost

"BMW sets trends in design". What a crock of $hit. More like "BMW sets out to create some of the cheapest-looking interior atrocities that are a true embarrassment in the luxury segment".

Atleast Audi actually creates cars with luxurious, high quality interiors. I'll take my "cut-rate, VW derived" Audi with the best interior in the industry, over a POS BMW.

philippz - 9/8/2006 2:05:04 AM

0 Boost

This type of system is free in Europe and has been available in cars for almost a decade.

Rupert - 9/8/2006 3:57:17 PM

0 Boost

trends in design?
what trend? the one for uglyness?

razzy23 - 9/8/2006 4:33:55 PM

+3 Boost

audiman--you are a complete MORON. it is people like you that should be banned from the INTERNET.

Rupert - 9/8/2006 4:55:05 PM

+1 Boost

audiman is commenting in the style of the species known as the bmw fan, by using several colloquial phrases such as POS, best, $hit, and embarrassment to industry.
for the bmw version replace "luxurious, high quality interiors" with "great handling and rwd", and "POS BMW" with "POS rebadged VW"
the 5 series interior is very plain.

TauronLB - 9/8/2006 11:09:20 PM

+1 Boost

Audiot-Audi and MB cancelled theirs. FOr our Benz we had it and it was great. The car amazingly only went for service every blue moon. When we were paying for it the car needed to be in the shop every few months. Thats one perk that I would really like to see in all german luxury cars.
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TheBimmerCom - 9/11/2006 3:52:06 PM

+1 Boost

ACURA did not and DOES NOT have this!

Acura will only show traffic data and congestions. BMW is the first to provide on-the-fly dynamic rerouting based on the congestion and the time-delay created by it compared to the time-delay that will be created by each alternative route.

So for all of you Acura nd Lexus fans, please research first!

As far as Audiman goes, no offense to VW's Audi's etc. however, he must be living in a world where "grandma stitched leather", and flower pattern sofas, and wallpapers rule, whereas in the modern world luxury is defined by simplicity and clean cut lines.

There is nothin wrong with Audiman's world, but I for one would rather ride a cutting edge a**-ripping pissed-off machine than a baby-whale with a huge mouth in the front.