TomTom was busy showing off its next-gen internet-connected satnavs today when the company’s MD Corinne Vigreux let slip plans for global domination, or control of our roads at least.
Asked whether there was a risk that satnavs would create more traffic congestion in future by directing everyone who owns one down the same route, Vigreux said high levels of satnav ownership actually makes congestion a thing of the past, since traffic can be “managed” directly, rather than simply directed.
“Over 50% saturation you begin distributing traffic. It actually works better that way” she said, explaining that, if TomTom knows where your car will be going, it can re-route other drivers so they don’t get in your way, and vice versa.
“As you get more people using satnav you get better at distributing traffic, so not all users follow the same route” she said.
It’s an interesting prospect, if slightly Big Brother-ish. The theory is your satnav won’t just figure out the fastest route using average road speeds, traffic congestion or even weather conditions – it’ll actually take into account other people’s journeys along the same stretch of road.
Of course, it’ll only work with TomTom inside the majority of satnav-equipped cars on the road. Lucky then that the GPS firm has just signed a deal with Renault to install its GPS systems inside their new motors, and cheaply too – at under €500, or £400 for a completely integrated system.
TBC | £TBC | TomTom
