Earlier today, we told you about a new partnership that integrates the real-time location sharing information from Glympse into the dashboards of new vehicles from Mercedes-Benz.
But Glympse isn’t the only Seattle tech upstart linking arms with a big German car company at the Telematics Detroit conference today. In other news from the show, Kirkland-based INRIX announced that it has entered into a multi-year deal with BMW to provide drivers with real-time traffic information as well as traffic-influenced turn-by-turn directions and accident alerts.
“BMW is taking in-car navigation in bold new directions,” said INRIX CEO Bryan Mistele in a release. “Together, we’re shaping a future of the connected car that puts drivers at the center of an experience that’s personalized, localized and optimized in ways that make navigation indispensable to the daily driver.”
The new offering will not compete with what Glympse just rolled out with Mercedes-Benz.
“INRIX is providing real time traffic info so that drivers can avoid traffic and frustration,” said Kevin Foreman, vice president of mobile apps at INRIX. “Glypmse is about sharing your location with another person.”
The alliance comes as part of BMW’s recently announced Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information (ARTTI) service, with INRIX tapping its vast array of traffic data to improve fuel economy and provide more accurate arrival times.
“INRIX’s unique analysis of stop signs and traffic lights on arterial traffic or a local event like a professional baseball game helps ensure BMW owners’ travels are faster and easier,” said Mistele.
The new ARTTI system will be incorporated into BMW’s latest onboard navigation system, which will be standard on all 2013 7 Series models as well as the 550i Sedan, 550i Gran Turismo and ActiveHybrid 5 Sedans.
