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Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the 2015 nüvi Essential Series, the company’s first entry-level lineup of navigation devices with backup camera support. Every year, thousands of drivers get into accidents when reversing because they can’t see what’s behind their vehicle1. By adding a backup camera option to its value-priced navigators, Garmin makes this important technology accessible to more drivers. The BC 30TM backup camera2 is sold separately and provides a live camera feed from the rear of the vehicle to eliminate the blind spot. The new Essential Series also boasts several navigation features previously only available on higher-priced models, such as Garmin Real DirectionsTM, Direct Access and Foursquare® data. The 2015 nüvi Essential Series is being showcased in the Garmin booth (South Hall 4 #35811) at this year’s CES.
“Starting at only $129.99, the nüvi Essential Series has long been our best-selling automotive product line,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “These standalone navigators have always offered a best-in-class navigation experience and new features make it even easier to get around. Millions of drivers are now also able to upgrade their vehicle with backup camera technology that helps avoid collisions when reversing.”
Mounted on the rear of the vehicle, the optional BC 30 wireless backup camera is rugged enough to withstand even the harshest of weather (professional installation recommended). If the camera is wired to the reverse lights for power, the navigator can automatically display the live camera feed every time the vehicle is shifted into reverse (and back to navigation mode when shifted into a forward gear). A simple button press will toggle between camera and navigation modes if the camera is plugged into constant power.
The 2015 Essential Series boasts several features that are new to the entry-level lineup and make it easier than ever for drivers to find their way. Only available from Garmin, Real Directions guide drivers in a natural and intuitive way. The feature uses recognizable landmarks, buildings, traffic lights and stop signs to give directions. For example, it tells drivers to “turn right after the Starbucks®” or “turn left at the traffic light.” Additionally, the new navigators feature millions of preloaded places from Foursquare to find and explore new and popular businesses, stores, restaurants or other destinations. Users can easily search for Foursquare places using Garmin’s signature “Where to?” menu to get directions.
Direct Access is a new feature to the Essential Series that helps users navigate to complex destinations, like malls and airports. Users can easily search for restaurants and stores inside a mall; or terminals, parking, and auto rentals inside an airport. The new navigators automatically guide drivers to the entrance that’s closest to their final destination and indicate where it is located. The nüvi will, for example, say: “American Eagle Outfitters® is inside, on the upper level.”
Additional navigation features include lane assist with junction view to help drivers navigate interchanges with ease; school zone warnings that appear as both an audible and on-screen alert; and Up Ahead, which appears alongside the driving map to constantly inform of nearby services, including restaurants, fuel stations and rest areas. The new Essential models also display current street, speed, speed limit and arrival time.
The 2015 Essential Series features large 5 and 6-inch dual-orientation displays that allow users to view more driving-related information at a glance. All devices come preloaded with HERE Maps and points of interest that don’t rely on cellular signals and are unaffected by cellular dead zones. Select models include lifetime map updates3 and free lifetime traffic avoidance4 without any ads or subscriptions.
The 2015 nüvi Essential Series is available now and suggested retail prices range from $129.99 to $209.99. The optional BC 30 backup camera has a suggested retail price of $169.99.
The 2015 nüvi Essential Series is the latest from Garmin’s consumer automotive segment, the leading worldwide provider of portable navigation devices for automobiles, motorcycles and trucks. Garmin’s user-friendly navigation solutions have innovative features that provide time- and fuel-saving benefits to meet the demands of everyday driving.
For 25 years, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation.
