GPS Use Increasing, Survey Shows

Online, March 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The use of GPS technology during 2010 increased from the levels seen in the previous year, new research suggests.

More than 50 per cent of European respondents said that they used GPS tools in the year, a figure which almost rose to 60 per cent in the German, French and Italian markets, according to a study by Navteq.

Jeff Mize, executive vice-president of Navteq sales, said: "As navigation and location based services become increasingly mainstream, there continues to be a need for a wide range of GPS navigation offerings."

The study quizzed people on their use of devices such as surveying equipment, in-vehicle systems, portable devices and mobile phone programs.

This news comes after Eeo.com reported that a Chinese county has introduced GPS tools to monitor the personal use of government cars.

Songyang County is set to implement GPS devices in officials' cars as a means of calculating when the vehicles are misused.
Will Nissan's new DIG-S engine cause more people to use GPS technology?

Nissan has announced its new DIG-S engine, which offers low running costs and could lead to drivers organising more trips with GPS technology.

The car is also exempt from London's congestion charge and produces minimal carbon emissions at a rate of 95g/km for the manual edition, while the CVT version generates 115 g/km.
Pierre Loing, vice-president of product strategy and planning at Nissan International SA, said: "The Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars. No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency... and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel."

Mr Long added that Nissan's new engine has an "exceptionally low" cost of ownership, which could help GPS users to save money for new travelling accessories.

Earlier this month, the Road Haulage Association revealed that diesel prices recently reached a record high in the UK.

Drivers are now faced with the record national average cost of 109.48 pence a litre before VAT.