TomTom is Supplying Maps, Software and User Interface for Maserati's New Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Infotainment System

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Maserati MC20 super will feature the TomTom-powered Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) in-vehicle infotainment system.

As the auto industry shifts to building more high-tech and connected vehicles, the world's automakers are turning to industry partners for assistance with maps, navigation and software that will support more robust in-vehicle infotainment systems. The latest is Italy's luxury vehicle manufacturer Maserati.

Mapping and navigation company TomTom announced on Tuesday that it will provide automaker Maserati with maps, navigation software and connected services for the automaker's all-new Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) in-vehicle infotainment system for its new lineup of vehicles, including the MC20 supercar.

 Drivers of upcoming Maserati Ghibli, Levante and Quattroporte models will be the first to benefit from a wide range of new features and functions provided by TomTom, including IQ Maps, traffic, connected navigation services, destination prediction, which is all wrapped up in a premium user interface. 

TomTom's infotainment system utilizes powerful cloud servers that continually deliver fresh map data, online routing, guidance and search information to vehicles.

The Maserati Ghibli, Levante and Quattroporte will launch in October and offer the Maserati Intelligent Assistant, while the other models will follow in 2021, including the recently unveiled MC20.

"We are delighted that our premium navigation will now power Maserati's exclusive sports cars," said Antoine Saucier, Managing Director, TomTom Automotive. "Maserati drivers will benefit from seamless connectivity and automatic over-the-air map updates so they can get in and get going."

The over-the-air software upgradeable MIA in-vehicle infotainment system includes the full suite of TomTom's traffic and connected navigation services. This includes TomTom EV Services showing charging points and their availability for Maserati's upcoming electrified Folgore SUV due in 2021. "Folgore" means lightning in Italian. 

The upcoming Maserati cars will also feature "dynamic range mapping" designed to help drivers visualize the vehicle's range by displaying how far they can drive on their map. 

TomTom's routing data takes into account expected traffic and vehicle type to estimate how much energy is needed to reach a destination, then calculates the most energy-efficient routes.

If the car's battery or fuel level is insufficient to make it to the selected destination, the driver will be prompted via an onscreen message to navigate towards the closest EV charging location or fuel station. The driver will also be provided with a cost comparison of available recharging refueling stations that are within range.

Destination prediction is another new feature that enables the system to learn driver preferences, such as alerting the driver with directions to one of their favorite places. The destination predictions will also help drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

"We want Maserati drivers to get in their car and focus on their driving experience," said Theo-Han Jansen, Head of e-Mobility and Connectivity at Maserati. "TomTom's new navigation with integrated voice control allows for a seamless and safe experience."

TomTom's user interface will be displayed across both the center console and instrument cluster screens, featuring a premium TomTom user interface customizable to the driver's personal preferences. 

The MIA system can project moving lane and turn-by-turn guidance, as well as speed camera, traffic and hazard warnings to the vehicle's cluster screen. This feature is designed to reduce lateral head movement so drivers can stay better focused on the road.

TomTom's partnership with Maserati further extends its reach into the automotive space with its new embedded software products.

Earlier this month, TomTom announced a new product called "RoadCheck" designed for vehicles with automated driving capabilities or advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). The RoadCheck program allows automakers to decide where their vehicle can best operate safely in autonomous mode using TomTom's comprehensive map data.

Using RoadCheck, automotive engineers can enter autonomous driving rules and restrictions for vehicles using an intuitive online editor. The cloud-based RoadCheck service then delivers the map data directly to the vehicle. 

FutureCar Staff