Garmin Introduces New Chartplotters
featuring a High Sensitivity GPS and
Faster Processors to Affordable Marine Navigation
Sydney, Australia, 29 July 2009 — Garmin the global leader in satellite navigation, today launched four enhanced products to its marine GPS portfolio with the introduction of the GPSMAP® 400 and GPSMAP® 500 series of chartplotters, that come preloaded with BlueChart g2 mapping for Australia and New Zealand.
Launched at the Sydney Boat Show on 30 July, the new products add to their predecessors by upgrading to a high sensitivity GPS receiver for faster satellite acquisition, an improved digital design for increased map drawing and panning speeds. NMEA 2000 connectivity* for plug-and-play system integration enables the products to interface with Garmin’s full lineup of NMEA 2000 marine sensors and autopilots, and other third-party sensors.
“By combining performance and value, these new portrait plotters are designed for boaters who demand a high-performance, compact unit with a small footprint,” said Matt DeMoss, Sales and Marketing Manager for Garmin Australasia.
Building upon both the success of the GPSMAP 400 and 500 series and Garmin’s proven easy-to-use interface, the new chartplotters in the GPSMAP 551 and 451 series come standard with an internal high-sensitivity GPS receiver that allows for faster acquisition times and superior satellite tracking so that boaters are able to acquire and maintain a GPS fix more easily. Providing great value and ready for immediate use, the GPSMAP 551 and 451 both come pre-loaded with the detailed BlueChart g2 mapping for Australia and New Zealand.
In addition, these units boast an improved, high-speed digital design that will increase map drawing and panning speeds, making chart adjustments extremely fast. Sonar models in the range (designated by an “s” after the model number) have a digital sonar receiver to give extraordinary target definition and boast a built-in 500-watt RMS digital sounder with a dual frequency transducer for offshore use.
The GPSMAP 551 packs a powerful punch and features a 5-inch QVGA sunlight-readable display. The GPSMAP 551s also comes with built-in sonar for use with a 500-watt RMS dual-frequency transducer for offshore use.
With a 4-inch QVGA sunlight-readable display, the GPSMAP 451 is designed for the boater who wants high performance in a small package. Along with Garmin’s easy-to-use interface, this unit also features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and faster processor, and is offered with the same cartography configuration as the GPSMAP 551. Likewise, the GPSMAP 451s is also available with a built-in sonar with a 500-watt RMS dual-frequency transducer for offshore use.
The 451 and 551 will both be available in August.
Further expanding the Garmin Chartplotter range in September is the GPSMAP 556. Ultra-sharp and easy-to-read, the GPSMAP 556 has a brilliant 5-inch VGA display and comes with detailed Australian and New Zealand BlueChart g2 mapping.
GPSMAP 556s also comes with sonar capability, and supports an optional 1,000-watt transducer for extra power when on the water. In addition, this powerful sounder also has a feature which can scan fish, structure or other objects as deep as 600 metres.
An optional flush-mount kit is available for each unit for custom installation.
Boaters can now ensure that all their marine instruments share Garmin’s excellence in engineering and look the part when at the helm. The entire suite includes radars, auto pilots, chart plotters, fuel sensors, VHF radios and more.
GPSMAP 551 and GPSMAP 551s have RRP of $1359.00 and $1559 respectively, while the GPSMAP 451 and GPSMAP 451s have RRP of $1099.00 and $1299.00 and will be available early August.
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 www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin, GPSMAP and BlueChart are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
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 www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin, GPSMAP and BlueChart are registered trademarks 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 27, 2008, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin’s Form 10-K can be downloaded at 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.
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 27, 2008, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin’s Form 10-K can be downloaded at 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.
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