NNG targets OEs, aftermarket in India

The Hungary-based navigation solutions provider NNG LLC, along with its local partner Ayana Navigation Solutions (ANS), has inked a tie-up with Blaupunkt India, the Indian arm of the German car infotainment major, and hopes to get 6-8 OEs on board in a year. With in-car connectivity and navigation solutions market emerging as a new growth area in the Indian automotive sector, the company sees considerable growth potential here. 

Talking to Autocar Professional, Peter Bolesza, vice-president for Eastern Europe and Emerging Markets, NNG LLC, said: “India needs navigation solutions as its road infrastructure expands and these solutions will also help save time and fuel.”

In addition to its current customer base, NNG is in advanced talks with some customers in the aftermarket and OEM segments. Since their tie-up, NNG and ANS have received an encouraging response from the automotive aftermarket and OEMs in India. Over the past three months, they have received business from four Tier 1 suppliers and carmakers, reveals Bolesza. 

He adds that his company decided to tie up with Blaupunkt as it is one of the largest aftermarket players globally and has a strong dealer network. “They have really good quality devices, which is important for us.”

At present, NNG has a 30 percent market share in the OEM industry worldwide and is targeting a 40 percent share this year. In the aftermarket, it has a 30 percent market share and plans to increase this to 70 percent in 2014.

Blaupunkt India’s recently launched San Diego 530 infotainment system, priced at Rs 30,999, comes with features and integrated navigation solutions from NNG and ANS. This is among the most affordable products in its portfolio. This multi-media navigation solution has maps of the country including almost 1,800,000km of roads and over 6,700,000 points of interest. A range of features specifically localised for India include Intelligent Quick Search, Smart History, Speed Limits, and automatic handling of congested routes.

To provide pre- and aftersales support, the company has tied up with Ayana Navigation Systems in India. ANS is also helping localise applications for India, says Amit Sharma, director, ANS.

NNG’s core technology is based on the standard-setting iGo navigation engine which comprises innovative navigation software, fluid user interface and related content, and services for manufacturers, automakers, network operators, professional transport specialists and individual users. iGo navigation software is currently installed in more than 20 million devices globally, 16 Tier 1 suppliers and 30 car brands. 

Photograph: iGo navigation solutions.

See interview with Peter Bolesza, VP (EEU & Emerging Markets), NNG