Volkswagen Group Awards RAC Trafficmaster Telematics a 3 Year Contract to Provide Real Time Traffic Data
RAC Trafficmaster Telematics, the leading provider of real-time traffic information, is pleased to announce that it has concluded a 3 year agreement with Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Ltd to provide up-to-the-minute traffic information to satellite navigation systems fitted to Audi vehicles. Following a comprehensive evaluation programme, Audi will integrate RAC Trafficmaster’s RDS TMC (Radio Data System Traffic Message Channel) service initially on satellite navigation systems fitted in Audi A6 and A8 cars as from November 2005. The satellite navigation systems fitted in these cars will benefit from RAC Trafficmaster’s real time traffic data, enabling drivers to monitor traffic conditions and recalculate their routes, in order to minimise traffic delays. The RAC Trafficmaster RDS TMC service is unique in that it gathers its traffic data in real time from an established nationwide network of over 7,500 roadside sensors. The data is then transmitted to customers’ vehicles via the RDS bandwidth of the commercial radio stations operated by GCap Media Plc and Chrysalis Radio. Mark Gillett, Product Manager at Audi UK, says: “The Group has built a reputation for quality and leading technology. As such we expect all our suppliers to meet these same standards. Through the work we have undertaken in testing the RAC Trafficmaster service, we are confident that RAC Trafficmaster can support us by providing exceptionally high quality traffic information that complements the superior driving experience we strive to provide for our customers.” Craig Blount, Director – Business Development at Trafficmaster, comments: “We are delighted to have been selected by Audi to provide our traffic information. The Audi brand is synonymous with quality, reliability and excellent customer service, and RAC Trafficmaster looks forward to helping Audi further enhance its image by delivering high quality, real-time traffic information to it’s drivers.” ABOUT TRAFFICMASTER Founded in 1988, Trafficmaster Plc is the UK’s leading journey management company providing high quality satellite navigation, traffic data and vehicle tracking systems. Trafficmaster’s traffic information is derived from its unique state-of-the-art network of nationwide static roadside sensors and transmitters that gather and distribute traffic data from over 8,000 miles of motorway and trunk routes. Traffic data is then delivered to the customer through a number of screen or speech-based receivers. These include a variety of in-car products and services that include its satellite navigation – Smartnav, Trafficmaster Monitor, YQ2, Oracle and Freeway units. Traffic information can also be obtained by phoning the 1740 service, which is run in partnership with the RAC and the UK’s main mobile phone operators. The traffic data provided through Trafficmaster RDS TMC is used, in conjunction with third party satellite navigation systems, to route drivers around congestion. The data is broadcast on licensed radio networks owned by GCap Media Plc and Chrysalis Radio and is provided to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or direct to automotive manufacturers. For more information please visit www.tmc.co.uk or www.trafficmaster.co.uk or contact: Georgina Osborn, email: georgina.osborn@trafficmaster.co.uk / telephone +44 (0) 1234 759315 or Michele Murphy, email: michele.murphy@trafficmaster.co.uk / telephone +44 (0) 1234 759309. |