Garmin introduces new chartplotters to GPSMAP 450 and 550 series

Garmin the global leader in satellite navigation, is pleased to announce that it has refreshed its GPSMAP® 450 and 550 series by adding a high sensitivity GPS receiver for faster satellite acquisition, an improved digital design for increased map drawing and panning speeds, and NMEA 2000 connectivity for plug-and-play system integration.

Nigel Craine, Marine Product and OEM Manager for Garmin said: “Combining performance and value, these new plotters are designed for boat enthusiasts, who demand a high-performance, compact unit with a small footprint.”

Building upon the success of the GPSMAP 450 and 550 series and Garmin’s proven, easy-to-use interface, the new GPSMAP 551, 451 and 556 chartplotters come standard with an internal high-sensitivity GPS receiver that allows for faster acquisition times and superior satellite tracking so that mariners are able to acquire and maintain a GPS fix more easily.

In addition, these plotters have an improved, high-speed design that will increase map drawing and panning speeds, making chart adjustments extremely fast. These new models are also NMEA 2000 certified and can connect with Garmin’s full line-up of NMEA 2000 marine sensors, autopilots and other third-party sensors.

The GPSMAP 551 is a powerful, yet compact plotter that features a 5-inch full colour sunlight-readable display. It also has preloaded detailed charts for UK, Ireland and portions of France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The GPSMAP 551s has built-in sonar for use with a 500-watt RMS dual-frequency transducer for offshore use and a 400-watt RMS with a dual beam transducer for inland use.

With a 4-inch full colour sunlight-readable display, the GPSMAP 451 was designed for the boat enthusiast who wants high performance in a small package. Along with Garmin’s easy-to-use interface, these units also have a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, faster processors and are offered with the same preloaded mapping as the GPSMAP 551 series. Likewise, the GPSMAP 451 is also available with built-in sonar with a 500-watt RMS dual-frequency transducer for offshore use or a 400-watt RMS with a dual beam transducer for inland use.

The GPSMAP 556, is perfect for those looking for the very best in compact chartplotters – ultra-sharp and easy-to-read, with brilliant 5-inch colour display, it makes no compromises. The GPSMAP 556 has preloaded, highly detailed offshore chart coverage of the United Kingdom, Ireland and portions of France, Belgium and the Netherlands. It is NMEA 2000 compliant.

The GPSMAP 556 is also available with sonar capability (designated by an “s” after the model number). Sonar models have a digital sonar receiver to give extraordinary target definition and have a built-in 500-watt RMS digital sounder with a dual frequency transducer for offshore and a 400-watt RMS with a dual beam transducer for inland use.

This unit can also support an optional 1,000-watt transducer for even more power. In addition, this powerful sounder 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 – for specifications, availability and pricing, visit www.garmin.co.uk.

About Garmin
The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications since 1989 – 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 media centre at www.garmin.co.uk/mediacentre. Garmin is a registered 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 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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