Named the Navus, the system will be offered in models including the popular Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum, Charger, Dakota and Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Navus provides premium automotive navigation capabilities

- including pre-loaded maps, an easy-to-use touchscreen interface and a high- resolution color TFT display, automatic route calculation, and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions - at a price that is significantly less than most built-in systems.

"Mopar stands for quality, performance and value - the same principles that have made Garmin successful," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing.

"We're excited that Garmin is now able to offer a custom-designed navigation system for three of the most respected brands on the road today - Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep."

Dealers can install the Navus in less than 30 minutes. The Navus is connected directly into the vehicle's bus interface, allowing it to interact seamlessly with other vehicle systems such as lighting and ignition control.

The unit is incorporated atop the dashboard in clear view of the driver and passengers - providing a look and feel that that complements the interior of the automobile.

If GPS signals are temporarily lost (due to skyscrapers or mountainous terrain), the system provides dead reckoning capabilities to assist in navigation.

"The Navus GPS navigation system gives our customers what they've been asking for - a full-featured GPS navigation system that's easy to use, yet inexpensive when compared to most in-dash systems," said Paul Kelly, director, accessory portfolio for Mopar.

"Garmin is widely recognized as a leader in GPS navigation, so we're exceptionally happy to have them aboard our newest Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models."

Motorists can choose pre-installed regional map data at a value price, or opt for comprehensive pre-installed map data of the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico on a single compact flash memory card.

Each region features thousands of points of interest - including lodging, restaurants, attractions, ATMs, gas stations, and nearby Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealers and service facilities.

Additional features of the Navus system include:

- Automotive grade, high-resolution 8-bit TFT color touchscreen interface that's easy to see in day or night

- Turn-by-turn voice prompted directions with high-quality audio

- Calculates shortest or fastest routes to addresses or points of interest

- - Automatically recalculates a route if the driver misses a turn

- Drivers can tell Navus to avoid areas of construction or traffic tie-ups

- Navus will build a route with multiple stops - ideal for sales calls, deliveries, or errands

- Navus is connected directly into the automotive bus interface for seamless integration with other vehicle systems such as lighting and ignition

- Dead reckoning capabilities assist navigation if GPS signal is temporarily lost

- Optional remote control

The Navus system is available through Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $869.00.

Related Links
Garmin
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express