Navigation and traffic information services provider TomTom has teamed up with a leading provider of parking services, ParkWhiz, which will give it access to one of the largest databases of dedicated public parking facilities for the USA and Canada.
By integrating the ParkWhiz parking information with its highly detailed and accurate maps, TomTom enables end users of its location products to quickly find and navigate to parking destinations. TomTom will also provide a reservation capability, allowing drivers to view, reserve and pay for parking from the comfort of their vehicle. This will facilitate an end-to-end parking service, equipping drivers with the service needed to finalize their parking experience. The ParkWhiz data will be integrated into TomTom’s existing parking product portfolio, encompassing both on-street and off-street content, which is designed to enable smart parking solutions and empower drivers during their parking search.
“With parking information cited as a top connected service being integrated by auto makers, we are committed to delivering a service that offers location precision and reliability,” said Antoine Saucier, managing director of TomTom Automotive. “We anticipate that by providing highly relevant parking information to drivers, we will be able to deliver some of the same benefits that users of our Traffic service have experienced over the last 10 years: saving time and money, reducing stress and minimizing environmental impact.”
Dan Cummings, VP for platform solutions and strategy at ParkWhiz, commented, “As autonomous vehicles become the norm instead of the exception, we’re thrilled to bring parking solutions to TomTom’s customers, and to be a part of their vision for the future of transportation. This aligns perfectly with how we see parking solutions fitting into the space; a layer that benefits the driver and is a part of their existing experience.”
TomTom has also announced that it has won the TU-Automotive Award for Best eMobility Product or Service for its Electric Vehicle (EV) Service, which is designed to help drivers make informed decisions about when and where to charge their vehicles. The TU-Automotive Awards are viewed as the most prestigious and anticipated awards in the connected car industry, celebrating talent and innovation across automotive technology.
TomTom’s EV Service provides real-time availability for charging points, reducing ‘range anxiety’ for drivers, as well as other essential information such as opening hours, payment methods and connector types. Launched in Europe in September 2017, and the USA in March this year, the service now covers more than 45,000 charging stations globally.
Saucier commented, “For the electric car market to grow, it’s important that we reduce the barriers to entry, one of which is range anxiety. We’re delighted that our EV Service has been recognized as the best eMobility Product for its focus on increasing driver peace of mind, and making ownership of electric vehicles even more attractive.”
