Navman Wireless launches new console, privacy button

M-Nav 760 features touchscreen, bluetooth and detachability

Navman Wireless has launched the latest version of its GPS navigation and messaging device, the M-Nav 760, which integrates with its OnlineAVL2 vehicle tracking system for fleet management.

The M-Nav 760 provides integrated vehicle tracking, messaging and satellite navigation. New features include a full touch screen, Driver ID and built in Bluetooth for hands-free phone use.

The device can also be removed from the veihicle and used as a separate, turn-by-turn GPS unit.

Navman Wireless has 240 global staff, 74 at its North Shore, Auckland, premises. It was part of the original Navman company founded by Peter Maire in 1986. Sold to US leisure and boating equipment manufacturer Brunswick, the company was then broken into three and sold in 2007.

Navman Wireless was bought out by management and investors, and is now headquartered in Chicago, while the marine unit went to Navico and the in-car navigation unit went to Taiwanese manufacturer Mitac.

The M-Nav 760 is a key component of Navman Wireless’s vehicle tracking and fleet management system, which includes OnlineAVL2 software and the Qube vehicle tracking device.

Navman Wirless has also launched a privacy button, allowing some classes of users to turn off tracking while the vehicle is in private use.

Vice president, Asia Pacific and Latin America Ian Daniel (pictured) says Navman Wireless is the first vehicle tracking company to have a global deal with Google to use its Google Maps system.

Navman Wireless has an R&D centre in Silicon Valley with 12 developers as well as presences in the UK, Australia, the US, Italy, Mexico, Thailand and several other countries.

Daniel says the company saw the opportunity to expand aggressively through the global financial crisis. That involved getting "bodies on the ground" in key markets.

"The run rate is starting to lift," he says. He says global revenue is now more than NZ$100 million.

Navman Wireless's system is delivered through channels and is able to be white labelled, he says. For instance, in New Zealand it is delivered by Telecom as Locate+.