Hub Toyota

The French branch of Toyota launched a new service, the "Toyota Hub".

Toyota supplies its customer with a GPRS smartphone (Qtek 2020 or 9090) that works as a communication media: GPS off-board navigation Toyota related information (closest dealership, Formula One news, new car releases etc.) Mobile email  Prices are: PDA: Qtek 2020: 756 euros - Qteck 9090: 830 euros Navigation pack: 329 euros (BT GPS antenna, navigation software) Access fee: free on the first year, 15 euros/month afterwards. Communication costs: depend on the customer's choice The technical side of this service is managed by "Mobiles et permission".

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My opinion:

+ It's the first time a car manufacturer offers handheld navigation on a contract basis. Mini used to sell Ipaqs but that was only hardware. Now, we're talking about subscriptions.

+ Another novelty: off-board navigation. The maps used are stored on a server, so they're always up to date. Off-board is supposed to be the next generation of navigation systems: if customers buy into the Toyota Hub, this new generation may rule soon.

? Will customers accept such high prices and the hassle of subscribing while devices such as the Navigon Bluemedia/Transonic are below the 400 euros mark?

(de la vraie musique sur http://katalinvarkonyi.over-blog.com)