Get Your GPS from...Goodyear?
January 04, 2008 | by Geoff Duncan
A company called The NCC has announced it will offer eight Goodyear-branded GPS navigation devices, some with Bluetooth and MSN Direct service for traffic info.
Tire-maker and blimp-flyer Goodyear has entered into a a trademark licensing agreement with a company called The NCC to offer a brand of eight Goodyear-branded GPS navigation systems, including features like a remote control that the companies claim have never been available on GPS devices.
"The Goodyear name has always stood for Innovation and Technology," said The NCC's director of operations Barry Rosenstock, in a release. "The GPS systems are a giant step forward in terms of safety and show the company's continued passion to get drivers where they need to go."
Described as "rugged," the Goodyear GPS systems will feature 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD displays, built-in speakers, text-to-speech navigation, MP3 and video playback, AV inputs for external devices, 2 GB of built-in memory and support fo external storage via SD cards. A remote control to enable hands-free communication while driving: one touch of the remote and users can answer and hang up on calls, and the remote can be fastened to a sun visor, near the gear shift, or any other convenient location. "Managing your cell phone by remote control is an entirely new concept in GPS," said Rosenstock, "But it speaks to consumer demand for driver safety and convenience, which is what these devices aspire to provide."
The company also says selected models will feature Bluetooth wireless communications, MSN Direct service for traffic and weather information, and even access to local information like movie showtimes. And all the GPS as are protected in a protective Goodyear-rubber casing.
The NCC—which originally stood for "The National Christmas Company" got its start in the late 1990s making holiday lights, but has been manufacturing products for Stanley and Westinghouse; the Goodyear GPS's mark its first foray into consumer electronics.
The GPS units will be on display at CES in Las Vegas; the companies haven't released any pricing or availability information.
Post Your Comment...Comments
George Klein on Jan 7th, 2008 at 9:13 AM:
My TomTom device has all these features and more for probably less $$$ than the Goodyear version will have. Time will tell how Goodyear will support their device from the aspect of software and technical support.
One can not rely on name alone
trailertirestore on Sep 18th, 2008 at 12:06 PM:
Trailer Tires Wheels | Utility Trailer Tires Rims, Trailer Tire Store, Trail America Tires
Darren Blake on Sep 18th, 2008 at 12:09 PM:
Hi, I can't wait for the Goodyear GPS! Trailer tires are awesome. So are aluminum trailer wheels. Trail America. www.TrailerTireStore.com
Comment on this article
Please keep your comments relevant to this article. Email addresses are not displayed, they are only required to verify you are human.
When you submit your comment, an email will be sent to your email address with a confirmation link. Once you have clicked on that confirmation link your comment will be posted.
HTML is not allowed.
RSS Feed
Ronnie Barksdale on Jan 5th, 2008 at 9:07 AM:
I have ran Goodyear tires since I was twenty years old and now at the age of fifty six would not have any other tire! I not only run Goodyear tires on all seven of my vehicles, I also have other products with the Goodyear name on them such as car jack for garage,the stool for garage and jack stands and what I have found is that everything that has the Goodyear name on it is top quality.The GPS system will no doubt be one of the best you can buy and I look forward to buying one as soon as possible. Goodyear is a great AMERICAN company and I for one will always stay committed to buying from them!