TomTom releases map updates for 5,500-plus cities & towns in India

Dutch navigation service provider TomTom, which entered the Indian market in September last year, has releases updated maps of the country for its VIA Series of portable navigation devices.

According to the company, India and other developing nations undergo more changes in land routes than the developed countries and the new set of maps are required to stay updated. Commenting on the scenario, TomTom's India sales manager Sanu Vasudevan said that the country's land routes undergo up to 30 per cent change annually while other developed countries experience up to 15 per cent change.

TomTom's VIA series of personal navigation devices were launched in India last year and these are currently available online, at retail chains and independent care accessories stores. The pricing starts at Rs 15,000 and the key feature includes landmark navigation to help users find their destinations. In brief, TomTom maps feature all monuments, chowks, parks and other attractions – so that a user can search for the nearest landmark via TomTom devices and easily find the route. Hands-free calling and advanced lane guidance are also enabled.

Soon after entering the Indian market, the Dutch player bought out 100 per cent stake in its India joint venture. The JV was first formed in 2008 with the Indian industrial group Kalyani and was initially called Tele Atlas Kalyani India Pvt Ltd, which was later renamed to TomTom India Ltd.

(Edited by Sanghamitra Mandal)