SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jun 5, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Autodesk Location Services, a division of Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), today announced it has provided Fiat division Targa Infomobility with the technology behind the location services available via the first commercially available wireless car navigation system now being offered with the latest Fiat Punto model. The new CONNECT Off Board Navigation (OBN) system is part of Targa Infomobility's bCONNECT offerings, and it features such services as maps, driving directions and real-time traffic information as well as weather and concierge services. This integrated GPS/GSM system is the first device that does not use CD-ROM maps for navigation because all of the information is sent out by a centralized system at the Targa Infomobility Milan Service Centre, adding convenience and lowering costs to consumers. This centralized set up also enables the information to be offered in 12 different languages.

"This comprehensive service revolutionizes the field of off-board telematics by offering drivers wireless navigation data that eliminates the need for cumbersome CD-ROMs," said Joe Astroth, executive vice president of Autodesk Location Services. "The CONNECT OBN is another great example of Autodesk Location Services and Targa Infomobility teaming to deliver end-users with mobile information at the point and moment of need."

The navigation system can be set in two ways: customers can manually input requests by using a keypad or simply press the green bCONNECT key in order to have it done by an operator. In both cases, the route is downloaded onto the display screen so that the user can follow pictogram instructions on the screen and voice commands. Because the CONNECT OBN provides users with a constantly updated, comprehensive map of Europe, users no longer need to purchase costly CD-ROMs whenever they travel to another country within Europe. They can also avoid the cost of update CD-ROMs that include the latest road information.

The new CONNECT OBN system complements all of the bCONNECT services offered by Targa Infomobility and powered by Autodesk Location Services. These include an on-board navigation system available in various Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati models and location services available via mobile phones and PDAs. The partnership between Targa Infomobility and Autodesk Location Services began in early 2001, and currently there are more than 20,000 bCONNECT service subscribers in Europe.

About Autodesk Location Services

Autodesk Location Services (www.autodesk.com/locationservices), a division of Autodesk, Inc. provides wireless network operators and enterprises worldwide with a robust solution for location enabled wireless services. The Autodesk LocationLogic platform and Location Connect suite of applications offer personalized, localized and actionable wireless services that increase productivity and convenience for mobile individuals. Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

About Targa Infomobility, a division of Fiat Auto

Targa Infomobility is focused on telematics and wireless services, with personal assistance and vehicle behavior tracking services. Targa Infomobility is the leading infomobility service provider in Europe.

Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

SOURCE: Autodesk

Autodesk
Cassie Stevenson, 415-507-5638
cassie.stevenson@autodesk.com

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