Real-time traffic information provider Trafficmaster and Motorola announced today their plan to jointly produce the first remote navigation system for the mass market that incorporates real-time, traffic data. Motorola's navigation server, part of its new iRadio navigation application, is being combined with Trafficmaster's real-time, traffic data to create the Trafficmaster T-nav service.

The service will be sold through automotive manufacturers, wireless carriers and aftermarket channels.

T-nav will be available to customers in Great Britain and Germany later this year, and is scheduled for introduction in other European countries in 2002.

The North American introduction is scheduled for a later date. By phoning the Trafficmaster call centre from a standard mobile phone, drivers will receive navigation information, updated real-time traffic reports and automatic re-routing services for their selected destinations.

The routing information is downloaded from a Motorola navigation server via the mobile phone to a telematics device fitted in the vehicle. The mobile phone link is then closed down and routing details are delivered to the driver, turn-by-turn, through the vehicle's radio speakers. Ongoing development will offer users remote access to directly set up their destinations and preferences.

“Telematics solutions continue to be refined and improved, with new developments in the area of navigational aids and route guidance being ready for deployment. With T-nav, we have developed an off-board navigation system combined with Trafficmaster's digital traffic information, providing a powerful solution at an affordable price,” said David Martell, Trafficmaster chief executive.