Volkswagen has announced that TomTom is to produce mapping technology for its range of passenger cars from mid-2015. This follows an earlier announcement at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014 that the navigation equipment maker has an agreement to work with the Volkswagen Group Research on the development of Highly Automated Driving (HAD) systems.
If you're thinking of purchasing a Jetta, Passat, Beetle or other VW model later in 2015, you'll benefit from a multi-media navigation system that features TomTom maps.
The VW multimedia in-dash navigation system is RNS CD and DVD-based, with clear colour screens and touch-screen operation. There is an extensive range of systems, with some being voice-controlled. The current top-of-the-range models feature an 8"-screen, the navigation system, DVD drive and DAB/FM/AM radio.
The new announcement means that from mid-2015, you'll also benefit from TomTom's expertise in map content for the advanced digital maps that are required for automated driving systems, once these become available.
According to TomTom's CEO, Harold Goddjin, the company's appeal to VW rests in its provision of precise data and a scalable technology platform. Today's navigation map includes geometry, street names and addresses.
However, automated driving will require far more accurate and frequently updated information about the car's location and environment, such as details of lane markings and traffic lights.
TomTom and VW Research are working on a concept to develop a Navigation Data Standard to underpin the new technology.
Automated driving may seem a long way off, but Stephen Shankland of CNet.com reports that German car supplier Continental anticipate partially automated cars by 2016 and highly automated cars by 2020. The driver of a partially automated car would still oversee the driving operation, while in the highly automated car, they would be able to complete other tasks via the in-dash console, such as checking emails.
The automated cars' existence doesn't, of course, mean that they will be on the public roads quite as quickly. In the meantime, drivers of VW cars can enjoy an enhanced driving experience thanks to the technological advances emerging as a result of the research.
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