Garmin launches voice guidance in five Indian languages

Garmin, a satellite navigation company has introduced five regional languages namely Tamil, Punjabi, Kannada, Telegu and Malyalam in all the models above the nuvi 1000 series and personal navigation devices (PNDs). Users can now download their preferred language from the manufacturer’s  website. Earlier, this voice guidance was available in Hindi and Indian accent English. However, owners of the nuvi40LM, nuvi50LM, nuvi2465LM and nuvi2565LM PNDs can now avail of this option at no extra cost. Also Read: Garmin nuvi40LM & nuvi50LM sat-nav units launched

“It has been done keeping in mind the growing Indian market for the Garmin devices. We firmly believe that devices should be made to assist the people and what better way than to communicate in their own language and accent,” said Tony An, Marketing Director, Garmin Asia. “Users will feel more confident being navigated in their own language. Garmin is trying to offer an easier solution to direct you to the final destination.”

Other navigation devices support American accent English making them difficult to understand street names and other points of interest. According to Garmin, the Indian market is as important as other markets around the world. “We enjoy 74 per cent share in personal navigation devices in North America and around 38 per cent share worldwide. We entered Indian market more than 15 years and since then have been able to have a good share in the growing GPS market here. We are confident of increasing the share because of the quality that we provide and with affordable devices in the market we will have edge over others too,” added Tony.

The company also offers free lifetime updates on the devices that are equipped with the regional language facility and start at Rs 8,450 for the nuvi40LM and go up to Rs 18,990 for the top-of-the-line nuvi2565LM that supports Bluetooth connectivity, rear view assist via camera that will cost Rs 7,500 more.