While portable navigation device manufacturers have it tough these days, makers of factory-install automotive GPS devices have it even harder. Not only are built-in solutions expensive, they’re often outclassed by entry-level PND’s within a couple of years. Why? Because factory installs face stricter standards than portable devices, and have to lock in designs for a good three years.
Harman International is trying to fix this. While the company kicked the United States to the curb earlier this year, it is working on a hybrid navigation unit for Mercedes-Benz. Only partially integrated into the car, the unit won’t force auto makers to lock in designs, making them easier to upgrade and less expensive.
A two-piece solution, the Harman hybrid GPS units will consist of a display and controls mounted in a cradle, plus a hidden processor unit that includes Bluetooth and music storage. It’s expected that the device will appear in eight Mercedes-Benz models in the second half of 2010.
In other news, TomTom and Renault have teamed up for a fully-integrated GPS solution. Dubbed the Renault Carminat TomTom, the GPS system sports a 5.8-inch display controlled by remote or native vehicle control systems. Strangely, as this is an apparently low-cost solution, TomTom has decided to nix real-time traffic updates though some models will feature an RDS-TMC traffic receiver. The one upside to a fully integrated GPS device is its connection to the vehicle systems. This means that you’ll be able to see important information via the TomTom display such as the engine temperature. Other features include Bluetooth and a gyro sensor. The integrated GPS system will debut in Renault’s Clio, expected to be unveiled March 5 at the Geneva Motor Show.
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