OLATHE, Kan.,
March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Garmin International
Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite
navigation, announced today the GPSMAP 495, a portable aviation device
designed for pilots who want many of the same features as the popular GPSMAP
496 at a fraction of the cost. The GPSMAP 495 includes Garmin's SafeTaxi(R)
airport diagrams, Garmin's Smart Airspace, AOPA's Airport Directory data,
enhanced high-resolution terrain database, aviation database with private
airports and heliports, accelerated GPS update rate, and European VFR
reporting waypoints.
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"Those familiar with our aviation handheld product line will see the
GPSMAP 495 as a cross between the GPSMAP 296 and GPSMAP 496 because it
provides some of the advanced features found on the GPSMAP 496, but is closer
to the GPSMAP 296's price point," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president of
marketing.
The GPSMAP 495 incorporates the same, higher resolution terrain database
found on the GPSMAP 496. The land graphics have over ten times as much data as
other Garmin handhelds and vividly display proximity hazards. In aviation
mode, pilots have the benefit of terrain and obstacle alerting, pop-up alerts,
and customizable minimum clearance limits that give audible terrain alerts at
specified altitudes. Pilots will also appreciate Garmin's Smart Airspace
feature that automatically highlights airspace close to the pilot's current
altitude and de-emphasizes airspace away from the current altitude.
Like the GPSMAP 496, the GPSMAP 495 has an increased GPS update rate that
is five times faster than other handheld GPS devices. This impressive speed
gives fluid updates of GPS derived data including the aircraft's flight
indicators, such as the HSI and turn rate indicator.
The GPSMAP 495's SafeTaxi diagrams and Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association (AOPA) Airport Directory data help reduce the headaches associated
with navigating unfamiliar taxiways and airports. With over 850 US airport
diagrams preloaded, SafeTaxi lets pilots see the aircraft's exact location on
the field in relation to charts that identify runways, taxiways and hangars.
The preloaded AOPA Airport Directory data includes information for over 5,300
public-use airports and more than 7,000 FBOs, such as pilot services, ground
transportation, lodging, restaurants, and local attractions. In addition,
Garmin's version of the AOPA's Airport Directory highlights airports where
pilots can save on fuel by using self-service fueling locations.
Those who want to use the GPSMAP 495 on the road or water can do so by
adding optional MapSource(R) City Navigator(R) street maps or BlueChart(R)
marine cartography. City Navigator helps drivers navigate unfamiliar streets
with turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions to specific addresses and points
of interests. When MapSource BlueChart(R) marine cartography is installed, the
waterproof GPSMAP 495 displays information like depth contours, inter-tidal
zones, spot soundings, wrecks, navaids, port plans, restricted areas, cable
areas and anchorages.
The GPSMAP 495 is expected to be available April 8-13, 2008, at the Sun 'n
Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida. The expected street price is $1,595.00. Those
who purchase a GPSMAP 495 at the 2008 Sun 'n Fun Fly-In are also eligible to
receive a $100 rebate. The GPSMAP 495 package includes a yoke mount,
cigarette-lighter adapter, AC adapter cable, USB-to-PC interface cable,
low-profile remote GPS antenna, carrying case, free Jeppesen update
certificate, owner's manual and quick-reference guide. The GPSMAP 495 does
not include the GXM 30A smart antenna with XM WX Satellite Weather and it is
not compatible with the GXM(TM) 30A smart antenna.
About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN),
the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies
has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and
information devices and applications -- most of which are enabled by GPS
technology. Garmin's products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor
recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is
incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located
in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information,
visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at http://www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact
the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin, GPSMAP, SafeTaxi, City
Navigator, MapSource and BlueChart are registered trademarks, and GXM is a
trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service
marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and
its business. All statements regarding the company's future product
introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on
management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and
circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could
differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and
uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk
factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
29, 2007, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(Commission file number 000-31983). A copy of Garmin's Form 10-K can be
downloaded at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html.
No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether
as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.