FollowMe
Toyota has made travelling in unfamiliar territory easy - whether driving or on foot - with a new fully integrated and portable navigation system.
Toyota partnered with electronics industry leader Fujitsu Ten and Tom Tom to develop FollowMe, a dashboard-embedded satellite navigation unit for Toyota vehicles that also operates in 'pedestrian' mode when removed from its dock.
''In our time poor society, FollowMe is an essential on-the-road tool for all drivers - whether in private, rental or company vehicles - potentially saving them time and frustration on unfamiliar roads and streets,'' said Matthew Callachor, Toyota Australia's divisional manager of customer services.
The new Toyota Genuine accessory is an innovative Toyota first - unlike other portable navigation units, FollowMe fits neatly into the dash.
Full integration with the vehicle enables FollowMe to combine GPS information and vehicle speed sensor data to more accurately determine map position, even in tunnels.
''The days of drivers in Toyota fleet vehicles enduring navigation units sitting conspicuously atop the dash or suctioned to the windscreen, obstructing the view, are over,'' said Mr Callachor.
''The satellite navigation industry is growing rapidly and 90 per cent of sales are portable devices. In the financial year to 2007 - 650,000 units were sold in Australia. That figure is expected to reach one million in the current financial year.
''Toyota has gone a step further than many other portable navigation suppliers by considering vehicle security as well as convenience and practicality.
''When FollowMe's screen is removed, it is more difficult for thieves to identify the presence of a navigation unit, thereby reducing the chance they will break into the vehicle,'' said Mr Callachor.
The colour 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) touch screen face can be removed from the dock and easily operated whilst walking or used in other vehicles~.
When removed from the dock, the unit has a battery life of up to 90 minutes.
FollowMe is directly connected to the surround sound system with MP3, optional iPod®~, Bluetooth™^ and USB compatibility, as well as allowing independent operation of the single disc CD player, AM and FM radio.
FollowMe software and map updates, along with other extras, are available via tomtom.com (opens in new window).
Toyota Genuine Accessories are covered by our Toyota warranty. All Toyota Genuine Accessories purchased and fitted to a Toyota are warranted for the remainder of the New Vehicle Warranty or 12 months, whichever is greater. Toyota Genuine Accessories purchased from an authorised Toyota Dealer over the counter are warranted from the date of purchase for one year (unlimited kilometres). Conditions apply. All warranties are additional to the implied warranties under the Trade Practices Act 1974.
^The Bluetooth word mark is owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc. Bluetooth™ will only operate with telephones enabled with compatible Bluetooth™ wireless technology (HFP - Hands Free Profile v1.0) and (Object Push Profile) v1.1 international standards.
~Optional FollowMe iPod® kit and travel kit available. iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Australia Pty Ltd.
