“Tmap is the answer for imported cars” – The Tmap craze is heating up.
The era of identifying navigation as a persistent problem for imported cars has ended. Thanks to Tmap, the navigation solution that has rapidly spread in the imported car market has now become an essential item.
The first to apply Tmap navigation in the imported car market was Land Rover. Tmap was integrated into the Defender, which was released on September 1, 2020.
Volvo has internalized Tmap through unprecedented investments. In May 2020, they invested 30 billion won in Tmap Mobility to start the joint development of a Korean-style navigation system, launching the Tmap Auto System in the XC60 in October 2021, just a year and five months later. Since then, Tmap has been applied to all Volvo models. The Tmap Auto System includes not only Tmap navigation but also various content like music and video, such as Flo and Wave.
The Tmap Auto System, upgraded to its second generation last year, now informs the driver of their agenda and allows internet searches through the Vivadi app. Additionally, it provides news updates through a news app and enables reading through a reading app while driving. With the addition of the Hey Volvo app, users can also make service center reservations. It’s not just about navigation anymore; it’s a collection of advanced convenience features.
Mercedes-Benz has also ramped up its collaboration with Tmap. They announced that Tmap will be applied to the new 11th generation E-Class, which was launched on the 19th, starting in the second half of the year. Alongside the Tmap navigation integration, they will include OTT content from Wave and music services like Flo and Melon to enhance passenger convenience. Furthermore, Benz plans to implement Tmap Auto in all models equipped with the third-generation MBUX, not just the new E-Class.
BMW is also set to adopt the Tmap Auto System. BMW Korea emphasized, “While we do not have a specific timeline yet for the application of Tmap, we aim to enhance customer convenience with Tmap in the near future.”
With all the interest in which brands will adopt Tmap next, the industry is keenly watching. Tmap is now firmly established as the leading navigation solution for imported cars.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr