XM Radio Expands NavTraffic Data Service to 44 Major U.S. Markets

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2006/Satnews Daily/ ― XM Satellite Radio announced on Tuesday the expansion of its NavTraffic nationwide satellite traffic information service launching in 13 additional U.S. metro markets during the third quarter of 2006.

Xm said this latest expansion brings the real-time traffic data service to 44 major U.S. markets, coast-to-coast. The 13 new XM NavTraffic markets include: Austin, TX; Buffalo - Niagara Falls, NY; Charlotte, NC; Columbus, OH; Hartford - New Britain - Middletown, CT; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, KS; Las Vegas, NV; Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN; Norfolk - Virginia Beach/Newport News, VA; Sarasota - Bradenton, FL; and West Palm Beach - Boca Raton, FL.

XM NavTraffic delivers real-time traffic information to vehicle navigation systems. The driver can see current traffic conditions on the nav screen, such as traffic speeds, accident locations, and road closings.

Xm said NavTraffic is expected to be available in 200,000 NavTraffic-capable vehicles within the next two years. The technology is already available as a factory-installed feature on the 2006 Acura RL and Cadillac CTS. Several automakers will offer additional models with XM NavTraffic capability later this year, including all-new models such as the 2007 Acura RDX, Lexus LS and Infiniti G35.

In addition, the latest XM NavTraffic instant traffic intelligence navigation systems are available from Garmin, Pioneer Electronics and Alpine for aftermarket vehicle installation.

XM's powerful satellite signal is the pipeline "feeds" multiple-source data directly to a vehicle's GPS navigation system. Accidents and road construction are identified on the map by icons, alerting users to potential blockages up ahead and allowing the driver to route around a jam before getting caught in traffic. In markets where the data is available, XM NavTraffic also provides an overlay of color-coded traffic flow information, indicating how fast the traffic is currently moving on the driver's chosen route.

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