Garmin® ecoRoute™ HD transforms your nüvi into a real-time onboard diagnostics computer

MEDIA  CONTACT:                                                  

Jake Jacobson

Garmin International Inc.

Phone | 913/397-8200

E-Mail | media.relations@garmin.com 

Garmin^® ecoRoute™ HD transforms your nüvi
into a real-time onboard diagnostics computer

OLATHE, Kan./January 5, 2010/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today introduced ecoRoute HD, an easy-to-install device that transforms your compatible Garmin nüvi into a real-time diagnostics computer that helps you conserve fuel and money through fuel-efficient navigation. ecoRoute HD was announced in conjunction with the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and will be on display at the Garmin booth (#35832, South Hall 4).

“When it comes to fuel conservation and vehicle upkeep, the real-time information provided by ecoRoute HD is the key to being a smarter driver,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales.  “Garmin is known around the world for getting you to your destination efficiently, and now you can know how your car is performing every step along the way.”

By accessing onboard diagnostics and performance data through ecoRoute HD, drivers can use a compatible Garmin nüvi to wirelessly monitor real-time vehicle diagnostics for most vehicles while accurately calculating ecoRoute data and driver challenge scores (speed, acceleration, braking, etc.). By simply plugging the ecoRoute HD module into the vehicle’s standardized onboard diagnostics port (OBD II), safely mounting the transmitter clear of vehicle controls and pedals, and completing the easy one-time pairing with nüvi, drivers can start receiving the vital data from their vehicle and run diagnostic checks through nüvi’s intuitive interface before a trip to the auto shop is necessary. Drivers also get more accurate ecoRoute data, making fuel conservation easier than ever, and they can monitor their engine data (including temperature, RPM, emissions) and diagnostics through the Trip Computer screen and customizable Gauges screen. Drivers can then view Diagnostic Trouble Codes – with on-screen descriptions of some error codes – and reset the “check engine” light. ecoRoute HD will be compatible with many current and future nüvi models, including 1260, 1370, 1390, 1490 and 1690.

Real-time data monitored by ecoRoute HD, which has an expected availability date of March 2010 for a suggested retail price of $149.99, includes vital diagnostics such as:

• Intake air temperature information
• Coolant temperature data
• Throttle position and engine load
• Intake manifold pressure
• Battery and charging system information
• Mass airflow rate
• Timing advance
• Emissions

Introduced by Garmin in 2009, ecoRoute is a free software update that helps drivers conserve money and fuel, easing growing pressures on personal budgets and the environment. In addition to “faster time” and “shorter distance” for route preference, ecoRoute lets nüvi users choose “less fuel” as a routing option as the best way to help save gas and money. Through ecoRoute’s Fuel Report, Mileage Report and fuel-saving tips, drivers can focus on fuel conservation even when they’re not behind the wheel. Fuel Report tracks fuel usage over time, and Mileage Report monitors mileage and fuel usage on a per-trip basis. Drivers can customize their nüvi to fit their vehicle by accessing the “vehicle profile” under ecoRoute in the tools menu. There, you can enter your car’s fuel economy and the current price of gas to help nüvi better calculate your savings. To find out if your nüvi is compatible with ecoRoute through a free, downloadable software update, go to here.

ecoRoute HD is the latest breakthrough from Garmin, which has spent more than 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. To learn more about ecoRoute and Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com and www.garmin.blogs.com.

About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at http://www8.garmin.com/company/newsroom/ or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin and nüvi are registered trademarks and ecoRoute is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. All statements regarding the company’s future product introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2008, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin’s Form 10-K can be downloaded at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.