A sure sign of recession is when even the luxury auto brands begin brainstorming ways to streamline costs and draw in buyers. For example, Harman International and TomTom GPS have announced that they will began supplying Mercedes Benz automobiles with navigation devices that double for both vehicle and personal use.
The new "hybrid" navigation systems should be available for eight Mercedes Benz vehicles beginning the second half of 2010. Comparable with portable devices priced between $250 and $500, these Harman GPS will be affixed to the dashboard but can be detached for on-the-go use.
This deal will make Benz navigation systems more appealing to shoppers who previously would have looked on the aftermarket. As Motor Authority says, "The major benefit is that carmakers will now have an affordable GPS and infotainment system that can be used by the millions of vehicle owners around the world that don't own the more expensive in-dash units."
Hybrid GPS systems could also help close the competition gap between portable and in-dash devices. Car manufacturers have had trouble keeping up because their systems are generally three years behind the newest portables. According to Engadget, "Anyone who's bought a car with a built-in nav system knows the pain of seeing their expensive accessory totally eclipsed by even the cheapest external GPS units just a year or two later -- everything from UI to multimedia integration progresses so fast it's almost not worth it."
Gearlog says, "The Harman-for-Mercedes device appears to be a first step toward navigation modules that can be developed and certified on quicker schedules, then be mated to the cars on the assembly line or even at the dealership, especially if they work with an LCD display already in the dash."
Go to U.S. News' GPS reviews page to check out the best portable devices available now, and to learn more about in-dash systems.
