Start Going Places with carnavi®

PETALING JAYA, Tues: Navi & Map Sdn. Bhd. today unveiled its advanced all-in-one music, movie and navigation system designed and developed specifically for Malaysian motorists.

“Our trademarked navigation system, ‘carnavi’, is a contraction from ‘car navigation systems’ and is a popular term used in Japan to describe a driver-oriented, in-car navigation system combining entertainment, connectivity and navigation features,” said Navi & Map Sdn. Bhd. chairman, Datuk Abd. Rashid Rahim.

Speaking at the official launch of carnavi held at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya today, Rashid Rahim was confident that carnavi would make driving a pleasant, stress-free experience.

“The carnavi technology introduced by Navi & Map was a result of more than 2 years of research and development work carried out in collaboration with Japanese technical partners.

Therefore, carnavi incorporates sophisticated navigation technology such as a Hybrid Positioning System that processes information not only from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites but also from sensors that are built into carnavi,” he said.

A speed sensor detects the vehicle’s traveling speed, while the gyro sensor measures the car’s tilt and lateral movements. Together with GPS information, carnavi is able to accurately display the car’s position on the map, even on occasions when GPS signals are not available due to physical obstructions or poor weather conditions.

Apart from this, Rashid Rahim said that carnavi is key component in the implementation of an integrated traffic information system, or ITIS. Carnavi can receive traffic information such as traffic jams and road closures and update the driver in real-time. Carnavi would also be able to anticipate stop signs and dangerous road conditions, and adjust the car’s traveling speed and alert the driver accordingly.  He hopes that the company’s product would pave the way towards introducing next-generation driver-aid technology in Malaysia.

Carnavi comes with a 30-gigabyte hard disk containing detailed map data developed by Navi & Map, and space for storing up to 3,000 digital music files. The system also allows CD and DVD playback, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free mobile phone operation. 

Carnavi’s physical dimensions are based on the 2-DIN industrial design standard to ensure perfect fitment in most car models. This design accommodates a 7-inch wide, touch-sensitive screen that facilitates user interaction and provides clear images in various driving conditions.

In his speech, Rashid Rahim said that several car manufacturers and distributors have expressed interest in having carnavi installed as a dealer option or as standard equipment. Carnavi has already been offered as a dealer option for both the Suzuki Swift and the new Grand Vitara, in addition to the recently launched Hyundai Santa Fe.

Today’s launch also marked the commencement of carnavi sales at selected Jusco outlets in the Klang Valley. Three introductory packages ranging from RM1,099 to RM7,700 are being offered to car owners, with the premium package consisting of the carnavi unit and a rear-view camera from Sanyo specially developed for carnavi. The rear-view camera can be connected to carnavi to provide clear, undistorted images of objects behind the car when the driver engages the reverse gear.

The introductory packages include installation and a free map update which would be available by early next year. These packages are available at Jusco MidValley and One Utama from today, and at Jusco Taman Maluri, Wangsa Maju, Bandar Puchong and Cheras Selatan from 15 September. The company intends to expand its sales network to other Jusco outlets in Malaysia in the near future.