Sales of mobile in-car GPS systems are on the rise, not only in Australia, but internationally also, reports Mio Technologies, having taken the number three position in Europe.
According to market research firm Canalys, 2.44 million units were shipped to Europe in the three months to June 30, with Mio accounting for 233 000 of those units. Overall, Mio came third, with TomTom in first place and Garmin in second.
“The price of the units is coming down as production runs increase, the products are getting faster and better as the technology improves and people are becoming aware that they can be used virtually every day of the week, from business to leisure activities,” said Mio Technologies’ Mr Ko said.
He also said sales of Mio devices in Europe were boosted by the launch of several new models – the pure GPS ones such as the C710, C510 and C210 and the GPS models that also combined PDA functionality such as the P550 and P350.
All of these models, apart from the C210, are being launched in Australia in August.
“We are expecting that following on from their success in Europe, that these models will also be very popular in Australia and drive Mio sales here,” Mr Ko said.
Mr Ko said about 30,000 mobile in-car GPS units were sold in Australia last year, with the figure expected to jump to 120,000 in 2006.
See: www.mio-tech.com.au
