TomTom releases mid-range unit, reveals worst places for commuting in NZ

New Go Live 820 GPS unit includes HD Traffic for live updates

By Vera Alves, Auckland | Wednesday, 06 July 2011
TomTom has released a study that identifies the best and worst suburbs for commuting in New Zealand. Takapuna, in Auckland, and Petone, in Wellington, top the list as the worst suburbs for the morning commute to the centre of their respective cities.

Remuera, Pakuranga and Manukau are, according to the study, the worst suburbs in Auckland for afternoon commute, while Petone and Johnsonville top the same list for Wellington.

The results of the study were announced by TomTom during the launch of its new GPS unit in Auckland on Tuesday. The company says the unit, the Go Live 820, equiped with HD Traffic for live updates, is one of the solutions to the traffic congestion problems in the country. “It is no longer about moving from A to B, it is about freedom to move,” says Kearney. “Real time data is key to helping solve some of our traffic issues," says hris Kearney, TomTom’s VP for the Asia Pacific region.

“A large number of people in the Auckland and Wellington regions commute to and from the city every day. By highlighting areas worst affected by congestion, we hope to inspire and enable people to consider alternative routes and departure times," says Kearney.

According to TomTom, “for the first time HD Traffic is available to the mainstream GPS buyer”. The 820 unit is the latest addition to the company’s Go Live range and also features hands-free calling via Bluetooth, TomTom IQ Routes, a map of New Zealand provided by GeoSmart and a one year bonus subscription to Live services.

Kearney says the pricing for the subscription after the first year is yet to be decided but will sit somewhere between $79 and $99 per year. The TomTom Go Live 820 comes with an RRP of $399.

The company has also announced their “traffic manifesto”, saying they are on a mission to reduce traffic congestion and making the best possible use of the existing road network. The company says it is working globally with governments, institutions, businesses and individuals on a number of initiatives.

TomTom is distributed by Ingram Micro in New Zealand.