CHICAGO - NAVTEQ, a global provider of digital map, traffic, and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless, and enterprise solutions has announced the Volvo Car Corporation is the first automotive company to introduce NAVTEQ MapCare - a map update program - for new, premium-segment vehicles.

The company opted for the NAVTEQ MapCare initial program which packages a pre-defined number of map updates with the purchase of a new vehicle and navigation system.  Therefore, from the 2010 model-year release in June 2009, customers buying a Volvo C30, S40, V50, C70, V70, XC70, S80, XC60, or XC90 with navigation will be eligible to receive two complimentary map updates.

Each car will include a registration card for the customer to complete and return in order to automatically receive the updates at the address of their choice and NAVTEQ will handle the registration and shipment.  The program will be available through all Volvo Car Corporation dealerships in Western and Eastern Europe, North America, and Russia.

NAVTEQ MapCare has been designed to help increase map update sales and revenue by providing additional selling points for navigation systems. 

"We believe this program will increase satisfaction and loyalty as customers will always have the latest maps. In addition, valuable opportunities for communication and cross-selling will be created," explains Jeff Mize, executive vice president, sales, NAVTEQ.  "It is a particularly convenient service for drivers of fleet or lease cars as it provides a clear channel to acquire map updates."

With the road network changing every year, more up-to-date maps help navigation systems operate at their best and generate more efficient routes.  More effective routing saves drivers time, fuel, and money and reduces CO₂ emissions. A recent study (Impact of Navigation on Fuel Consumption - NAVTEQ April 2009) showed drivers using a navigation system could reduce the overall distance they drove per year and save in fuel costs.

The aim of the NAVTEQ MapCare program is to make implementation as easy as possible for the OEM and, in addition to handling registration and shipment, provide essential communication materials with messaging for both dealers and drivers, dealer sales training, and a package of ready-to-go creative tools for use at the point of sale. The updates are provided to the OEMs at a special price and for those who wish to target existing customers with navigation systems, there is also an after-market program.