Fiat Punto Evo to Feature “Blue&Me – TomTom”: The New Integrated Infotainment System for Fiat Drivers from Fiat and TomTom

AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom announce that the two companies have jointly developed an integrated portable navigation solution: Blue&Me – TomTom. This solution, which is the result of a partnership between the two companies, will be showcased for the first time in the new Fiat Punto Evo at the upcoming IAA Motorshow in Frankfurt, Germany. The Blue&Me – TomTom will deliver Fiat drivers the latest, award winning TomTom portable navigation technology by integrating it into multiple car models of Fiat Group Automobiles.

“This deal marks another important step in our automotive strategy and is incomparable in the automotive industry. For the first time ever a new car will offer the latest navigation innovations available.”

The partnership has resulted in the tightest integration between a portable navigation device and a car the industry has ever seen and is offering the most optimal driving experience by providing cutting-edge technologies to the market. With Blue&Me – TomTom, Fiat is answering customer demand for flexible and user-friendly navigation solutions thanks to TomTom’s expertise in products that are easy to use and updateable.

Blue&Me - TomTom will offer the latest features available on TomTom devices, such as IQ Routes^TM for the fastest route and accurate arrival times. The new system also incorporates Fiat’s “eco:Drive Info” for real time information on driving style and useful suggestions for reducing environmental impact and optimising consumption by changing gear and using the accelerator to suit the nature of the route.

Lorenzo Sistino, CEO of Fiat Automobiles, said, “Blue&Me–TomTom is a fully integrated infotainment system that lets you manage telephone, navigation and driving information on an easy to use colour touch-screen.”

“We are thrilled to work with such a leading car manufacturer and we look forward to see our partnership grow in the future,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom. “This deal marks another important step in our automotive strategy and is incomparable in the automotive industry. For the first time ever a new car will offer the latest navigation innovations available.”

Further details on the solution will be fully revealed at the IAA Motorshow in Frankfurt, Germany which runs from 17-27 September, 2009, with press days on 15-16 September.

About Fiat Group Automobiles

As a pioneer of the car industry, Fiat built its first car in 1899. Over 90 million cars and light commercial vehicles have been produced since then and many of its models have marked important milestones in motoring history.

Fiat Group Automobiles designs, produces and sells vehicles under the Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Abarth brands, and light commercial vehicles under the Fiat Professional brands. Each brand has a specific identity with defined, recognized characteristics, and employs distinct commercial and marketing strategies. Fiat stands for its creativity, versatility and practicality. Lancia features an elite and exclusive line of models, while Alfa Romeo combines sportiness, technology and elegance in a unique design. Abarth is a synonym for determination and a sportive spirit, and Fiat Professional is a reference point for a straight forward and productive driving experience with low consumption rates. Fiat Group Automobiles is made up of four companies: Fiat Automobiles, Alfa Romeo Automobiles, Lancia Automobiles and Fiat Professional. All these companies are 100% owned by Fiat Group Automobiles.

On twelve occasions Fiat Group Automobiles models won the Car of the Year Award, the automobile industry’s most prestigious recognition of excellence worldwide. The award has been won nine times by Fiat, twice by Alfa Romeo and once by Lancia.

To round out the range of products and services offered, Fiat Group Automobiles activities include sales financing and a broad array of support programs for customers and the dealer network. The Sector’s main financing activities in Europe are grouped into FGA Capital, a 50-50 joint venture with Crédit Agricole.

Fiat Group Automobiles is part of the Fiat Group, an automotive-focused industrial group. The Fiat Group designs and manufactures trucks, wheel loaders, excavators, telehandlers, tractors and combine harvesters and automobiles. The Group is active on world markets through five different business areas and their operating companies that employ over 180,000 people.

About TomTom

TomTom NV is the world’s leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps. TomTom NV has over 3,300 employees working in four business units – TomTom, Tele Atlas, AUTO and WORK.

TomTom's products are developed with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use, safety and value. TomTom's products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right out of the box; these are the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom XL and TomTom ONE ranges and the TomTom RIDER. Additionally, independent research proves that TomTom products have a significant positive effect on driving and road safety.

Tele Atlas delivers the digital maps and dynamic content that power some of the world’s most essential navigation and location-based services (LBS). Through a combination of its own products and partnerships, Tele Atlas offers digital map coverage of more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The AUTO business unit develops and sells navigation systems and services to car manufacturers and OEMs. WORK combines industry leading communication and smart navigation technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise.

TomTom NV was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. TomTom is listed at Euronext Amsterdam in The Netherlands. For more information, go to www.tomtom.com.