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Re-activatePortable GPS navigation device maker Navigon has announced it is discontinuing sale of its units in the United States. The company says it will honor all warranties, and it continue to support owners who subscribe to its traffic services. Navigon will continue to market its devices in Europe.
Speaking from U.S. headquarters in Chicago, a company spokesman cited increased competition from low-priced device manufacturers and falling prices as reasons for their decision. Relatively new to the U.S. market, Navigon had positioned itself as a maker of competitively priced mid- and high-end units, rather than inexpensive, no-frills devices. Navigon pioneered features like free traffic information, three-dimensional mapping (see 8100T) and reality view, which gives users a visual representation of road intersections and signage at major intersections. While not top-rated models in our Ratings, we had seen steady improvement in Navigon products. (Check our GPS Ratings and see the first looks on the Navigon 7200T and 5100.)
The spokesman indicated the company had not finalized its future plans and that no press release had been issued yet. But he indicated a downsized Navigon will maintain a presence in the U.S., and indicated the company sees an opportunity to partner with wireless device manufacturers and other potential providers for its services in the future.
We are disappointed to see Navigon withdraw from the market. Their latest products offered solid choices to consumers, and the company's innovations helped advanced the state of the art, challenging competitors to integrate upmarket features into affordable units.
For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. If you're interested in going off the beaten path, See our handheld hiking GPS buying advice and Ratings. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.
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