XM Launches XM NavTraffic

By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 4/19/2004

WASHINGTON — XM announced a new navigation data service called XM NavTraffic, which will provide traffic data to onboard car navigation systems via XM satellite radio.

XM is partnering with NAVTEQ to create the traffic service, which is scheduled to debut this fall on the AcuraLink communication system for the 2005 Acura RL as standard equipment, and later this year on select 2005 Cadillac CTS vehicles as an option.

XM NavTraffic provides continuously updated traffic data to a car's navigation system via XM satellite. Updates include traffic incidents, road construction and closures, traffic flow data including actual speed data from road sensors, and alternate routes.

XM NavTraffic will also be offered this fall as a premium service to XM subscribers at a price to be announced. It will be available first in 20 markets: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco/Oakland, San Jose, Calif., Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington. XM and NAVTEQ plan to expand the service to additional markets in the future.

The new XM NavTraffic service is distinct from the XM Instant Traffic & Weather channels launched on Feb. 28, where 20 dedicated channels offer audible continuous traffic and weather updates for 20 markets.

In another announcement, XM said it launched a new talk channel called America Right, which will feature conservative show hosts such as Bill Bennett, Michael Savage, Michael Reagan and Laura Ingraham. XM recently launched a similar America Left channel.