2013 Automotive Electronics Special - TomTom connects with Renault R-Link

TomTom, which manufactures automotive navigation systems, including standalone units and software for varied devices, has recently powered the Renault R-Link, which is poised to equip most of the French carmaker's forthcoming models.

To avoid carrying multiple portable devices while driving a car, the Renault R-Link provides an integrated multimedia tablet (7-inch touchscreen display) which packs a comprehensive list of multimedia features (navigation, radio, Bluetooth and an array of other applications).

Equipping this tablet is TomTom technology which provides for content and real-time services including TomTom maps, navigation and real-time traffic information.

For battery-run cars, this integrated device also provides with electric vehicle management information, such as the available range and routes to nearby charge points. “The Renault R-Link is arguably the most complete end-to-end connected driving solution for the mass-market today,” says RajendraTamhane, director, automotive, enterprise & government, TomTom India.

Electronics has its say

Gone are the days when people had to make detailed maps, identify landmarks and observe stars to keep themselves from getting lost. Thanks to the advanced electronics, a global positioning device (GPS) and a clear sky can chip in with an appropriate location.

Underlining the role of electrical parts, Tamhane says that “the end users are demanding greater safety, fuel efficiency and security. Cars, which used to be only mechanical, now contain innumerable electronic components — most of which happen to be sensors and micro-controllers. The rise of semi-conductors and electronic components have balanced out the consumer demand and contributed to the development of the technology which can be deployed in the automobiles.”

Tamhane believes that India is fast catching up with the trends and services of sophisticated navigation devices. He anticipates that “in the next few years, we could witness a paradigm shift with the launch of newer technologies. Community input could play a major role for improving the map content. Through passive community feedback, we could estimate the traffic conditions on the road, which may also help to validate and detect road speed along with the driving directions. In time to come, there would be technologies which will enable the user to selectively update particular routes, traffic information, and other suitable information.”

Connecting hybrids, empowering EVs

Tamhane also highlights the increasing focus on hybrid and electric cars worldwide which will rely more on the electronics fitted in them.

Similarly, in terms of providing services, he says that “electronics would lead in executing certain services such as calculation of arrival time to destination based on traffic trends will help passengers in bigger cities to plan their schedules more appropriately.”

Growing India business

TomTom in India had launched its flagship VIA series navigation devices which are loaded with customised features (fed with 12 regional Indian languages) for Indian driving habits, one of which is landmark navigation.

Tamhane says that “landmark navigation is more preferred in India than regular addresses while locating the destination. An update of India map is released four times a year.” According to him, a TomTom navigation device is fed with comprehensive maps covering more than 7,300 cities and also assists the driver with speed and lane warning features for enhanced safe driving experience.

The company’s recent innovative services lie in the areas of real-time traffic update, custom travel times, speed cameras, voice maps, and advanced driver assistance systems. “For synergies, our teams work very closely with the counterparts in other offices at various levels for creating a hub for best practices. TomTom continues to invest heavily in India. With over 500 people already and a world-class office in Pune, we continue to build a robust backend. We have teams supporting on mapping services, engineering, data production units, and customers to drive the business in India and overseas,” signs off Tamhane. Clearly, it's not a lonely planet anymore.