Magellan Introduces Maestro Car Navigation Line

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Magellan, creators of the Hertz NeverLost and a global provider of outdoor and vehicle navigation solutions, introduced the Maestro series of three new portable vehicle navigation devices. As a result of a partnership with AAA, (American Automobile Association), the new Magellan Maestro 4000, Maestro 4040, and Maestro 4050 are being offered the North American public access to integrated AAA TourBook travel information and member roadside assistance details. In addition, the Maestro 4050 portable vehicle navigation device offers drivers voice command capabilities. The new Maestro series offers enhanced functions and features -- from a newly designed user interface and a 4.3" WQVGA touch screen to Bluetooth hands-free calling capabilities. Magellan's latest generation of turn-by-turn, voice-prompted portable vehicle navigation devices are newly designed with a 4.3" WQVGA full-color, anti-glare touch screen plus refined functionality. "The success of personal navigation solutions will continue to grow in 2007, but companies must focus on adding new functionality and valuable content to avoid market commoditization," says Thilo Koslowski, vice president and lead automotive analyst at Gartner. "Successful navigation solutions in the future must provide a flawless navigation experience and at the same time offer compelling content and services that provide daily relevance to users." Drivers gain access to North America's source for trip planning information through searchable AAA TourBook listings, including AAA Diamond Rated Restaurants and Accommodations, Show Your Card & Save Locations for member discounts, Approved Auto Repair Facilities, Attractions, Events, Campgrounds, Cities and AAA Branch Office locations. The Maestro series also provides AAA member roadside assistance details that show your location and provides the AAA member toll-free help number. Bluetooth-enabled Maestro devices will connect the driver's Bluetooth-enabled cell phone directly to AAA for help. Available only in North America this May, the Maestro 4050 delivers voice recognition capabilities so drivers can control the device and route to their destination using voice commands. It also provides traffic alerts, Bluetooth hands-free phone calling capabilities, and voiced routing directions via Magellan's SayWhere text-to-speech function, which audibly announces street names. The Maestro 4050 is preloaded with maps of the 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. It also contains AAA TourBook travel information and member roadside assistance details plus a database of additional points of interest (POI) like ATMs, gas stations, and more. The Maestro 4050's Bluetooth capabilities make it possible for drivers to be connected to a business from the POI listings with a hands-free phone call once the POI is selected. Available in North America April 1, the Magellan Maestro 4040 features Bluetooth hands-free phone calling functionality with SayWhere text-to-speech voiced routing directions. The Maestro 4040 also provides preloaded maps of the 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, AAA TourBook travel information and member roadside assistance details, plus an expanded POI database containing business and service listings. Upgrade options will allow drivers to add traffic services. Available April 1 in North America, the Maestro 4000 provides voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions with preloaded maps of the 48 contiguous United States, AAA TourBook travel information and member roadside assistance details, plus an additional database of nearly two million points of interest. All new Maestro 4000 series models feature:

SiRF Star III GPS chips for position fix and satellite acquisition

Integrated antenna and battery

SmartDetour feature to help drivers route around freeway traffic

QuickSpell for data entry

Searchable points of interest (POI) database for finding and routing to businesses and services like gas stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, airports, and more. Listings include a phone number, address, and the travel distance.

Exit POIs list gas stations, lodging, and restaurants at exits so drivers

Trip Planning provides multi-destination routing when drivers need to make several stops -- up to 20 destinations Each of the new Maestro products ship with a windshield mount and cradle, a cigarette lighter adapter, protective pouch, A/C power adapter, USB data cable and an adhesive disk for dash mounting.