Carminat Tomtom Plots Wider Course Across Renault Range

PARIS – April 15, 2010: The industry’s first truly affordable, fully integrated satellite navigation system, Renault Carminat TomTom is already proving popular with UK buyers, offering a wealth of intrinsic benefits. Now this impressive piece of equipment is being included as standard on Dynamique, Dynamique S, Privilège and Initiale trim levels of the Clio, Kangoo, Mégane, Scénic and Laguna ranges. At the same time, the system has also been improved, by offering IQ Routes™ technology, Advanced Lane Guidance and Map Share™, plus coverage of 50 countries worldwide.

As a result of the now standard fitment of Carminat TomTom across these four trim levels, TomTom is added as a suffix to each trim level name.

On Clio, in addition to the integrated satellite navigation, the upgraded Dynamique TomTom also receives cruise control and speed limiter as standard.

For Mégane, all of its Coupé, Hatch, Sport Tourer and New Coupé-Cabriolet bodystyles benefit from the equipment enhancement, as do both Scénic and Grand Scénic.

Completing the changes, on Laguna, Dynamique and Initiale go down the same naming route, while a new special edition Dynamique S TomTom appears. This latest addition to the Laguna range features 17” dark grey alloy wheels, Bose sound system, multi-functional TunePoint, opening tailgate windows and extra tinted windows (on Sport Tourer).

The system is already fitted as standard on the New Master panel van (excluding Freeway), and available on the Kangoo Van and Trafic Phase 3 ranges. Throughout 2010, most of the other models in the Renault car and van ranges (except Twingo and Modus) are poised to benefit too, while owners of previous system versions can receive these new features by updating their SD card software using the Renault TomTom HOME™ application at www.renault.co.uk/ownerservices/multimedia/tomtom.aspx.

Aside from the more obvious benefits of using the new system, including fuel and time savings, not to mention less in-car disputes with fellow occupants over directions, Carminat TomTom® also provides greater protection from theft. In addition, it offers volume control via the steering wheel, therefore not requiring the driver to take his or her eyes off the road to adjust it manually. Maps are now available covering 33 European countries and more than 50 countries worldwide.

The combination of IQ Routes technology and feedback from millions of fellow motorists means that drivers can now benefit from the most practical itinerary from A to B, since Carminat TomTom® takes into account real-world traffic flow speeds and the time of day when computing routes.

Meanwhile, thanks to the Advanced Lane Guidance function, the system now displays detailed lane information, too, as well as precise, realistic, panoramic views of junctions and overhead road signs.

Renault Carminat TomTom: a valuable tool for fleet operators

Thanks to its advanced functions, including the facility to enter specific POIs (Points Of Interest), Carminat TomTom® is the ideal journey optimisation system for fleet operators. Used in conjunction with established delivery route planning software, for example, it allows running cost savings to be made and responds to changes in traffic flows while at the same time making journeys safer.

Savings/productivity: journey optimisation (journey time, distance, traffic flow)

A 16 per cent saving regarding unnecessary distances covered and destination errors.

An 18 per cent time saving on unfamiliar routes*.

Higher resale value.

Road safety

12 per cent fewer road accidents when using an efficient, realistic, relaxing navigation interface*

Drivers are able to keep their attention fully focused on the road ahead.

Environment

Smoother, more relaxed driving.

Freer-flowing traffic means lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. What has changed

IQ Routes: computes the best route as a function of real-world traffic information. By indicating the smartest itinerary to get from A to B, this technology not only saves time, but also money and fuel. Its calculations are based on statistical traffic patterns depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Advanced Lane Guidance: provides a realistic panoramic display of junctions, and clear advice regarding which traffic lanes to use.

Map Share: makes fine-tuning adjustments to maps available free of charge to all users. Input from other TomTom users provides thousands of updates daily regarding changes to road systems, speed limits, and information about temporary and/or local traffic restrictions.

New 4Go SD card: permits the map of greater Europe (including Greece and Russia) to be downloaded, while leaving sufficient capacity for additional personal data to be stored.

What has evolved

New menus, with faster access to functions (long key-presses).

Fixed speed camera locations indicated as a function of actual direction of travel.

Time and outside temperature displayed even with the system switched off.

New icons and splash-screens.

An extended range of new maps for Latin American countries, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. All the countries where Renault vehicles are marketed will very soon be covered. Ready-to-run as soon as the vehicle starts, particularly user-friendly and easy to update, Carminat TomTom meets the needs of ordinary motorists and fleet operators alike.