Last week’s initial report addressed what could be the hottest issue that impacts every region of the world, the added monthly cost of services. Readers seemed to agree with this choice. A mini-survey of the telematics experts who contributed to the first report identified some of the top issues that could be covered in future reports. These include:

Krystyna Grant interviewes Reinhard Jurk, Head of Product Management for BMW Group’s telematics program ‘ConnectedDrive;' in the lead up to Telematics Update’s annual and biggest European conference – Telematics Munich 2009 (November 10-11, Munich Germany.) as Reinhard Jurk is speaking at the forum.

According to a new research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, 3.5 million passenger cars in Europe will have an on-board telematics device at the end of 2009.

 

Toyota Genuine's FollowMe navigation unit has been developed in conjunction with TomTom and will enable simultaneous and seamless operation of navigation, communication and entertainment features.

The Harman system is multimedia driven and it will aim to offer a set of features including 3-D navigation, graphics, Internet access, and wired or wireless connectivity for passengers.

Welcome to the Telematics Update Report, providing insight into critical issues confronting telematics suppliers and users as well as the latest trends and developments in telematics. The initial reports will explore issues impacting telematics that could potentially advance or hinder its implementation. Perhaps the hottest issue that impacts every region of the world is the added monthly cost of services.

Alan Mulally, president & CEO of Ford Motor Company, will discuss Ford’s latest innovations and announce new technology developments related to Ford’s popular voice-activated SYNC technology at International CES.

Brandmotion has launched Autostrata.com - a web portal specialising in consumer automotive aftermarket telematics applications.

TomTom and Sanyo are collaborating on a nav-and-infotainment solution to bring the best of both worlds to automotive manufacturers.

NAVTEQ, Nokia and Magneti Marelli have collaborated on the development of technology that seamlessly integrates smartphones into an in-vehicle infotainment system.