4+4 Reasons Why Embedded Navigation Can Outperform Mobile Sat Nav Apps (part 2)

1. NNG iGO is distraction-free 

Authorities all over the world are struggling with the growing problem of distracted driving. For instance, in the US, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that fatalities in distraction-affected crashes increased by 12% between 2020 and 2021. 

Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also reveals that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds increases the chances of a crash twofold. It means that everyone from app creators to OEMs must strive to make their products and services less distracting, rather than offering superfluous functionality or unnecessary ‘alerts’ that might trigger risk. 

It’s why NNG’s solutions are designed to operate effortlessly and feature no distractions such as ads – just uninterrupted directions that enable the driver to stay focused on the road. For more information about why IVI and other navigation solutions must become less distracting, read NNG's blog here. 

2. NNG offers tailored EV solutions 

As EVs grow in popularity across the globe, route planning is becoming crucial. However, while major mobile apps can offer details on charging stopovers, they are do not yet offer full planning features. NNG’s premium iGO service is able to calculate and optimize travel plans by considering the specifications of the vehicle’s battery, the journey’s elevation data, and the surrounding charging station infrastructure. 

In addition, we offer rapid routing intelligence based on pre-processed charging station data and unlike many mobile apps, deep powertrain integration. The latter is vital for offering critical functionality including providing highly accurate predicted ranges. Such services ensure drivers never suffer from anxiety about potentially running out of charge mid-journey. Instead, they can plan and execute any trip with complete confidence. 

3. NNG understands territories 

Services provided by tech players are actually banned in certain key markets including China and Korea due to state censorship or for security reasons. This renders such services impractical for OEMs wishing to access potentially new and lucrative niche markets. 

Because of the flexibility of our solutions, NNG allows clients to create region-specific navigation solutions, helping them to maximize the potential of every target market. From South Korea to China and Japan, we have a proven track record in producing services that meet the unique demands of the driving population, all while adhering to often complex local regulations. Learn more here. [LINK TO: Worldwide IVI Success: How NNG Goes From Global to Local in 3 Steps blog] 

4. NNG gives OEMs complete control 

Technological innovation and design are important considerations for consumers when considering purchasing a vehicle, especially within the premium vehicle market. This is reflected by GlobalData forecasting, which predicts global infotainment revenues will reach $49.6 billion by 2030 – that’s up from $29.7 billion in 2021. 

Key to attracting consumers is the ability for OEMs to create innovative infotainment designs that deliver rich user experiences and stand out from competitor offerings. However, while a third-party solution from a tech giant may offer the opportunity to create an entire infotainment stack at speed, it also: 

• Removes the OEM’s ability to create unique onboard features. 

• Reduces the OEM’s control and management of its own customer data. 

• Limits the creation of bespoke infotainment experiences including customized UIs. 

NNG’s solutions buck this trend, instead enabling automakers to choose between 100% turnkey, custom-built solutions, or a comprehensive Software Development Kit. Our proprietary HMI tech stack also provides runtime customization options for branding and multi-screen solutions on request. NNG iGO is also compatible with major automotive operating systems, plus offers access to a broader range of independent third-party services. 

Combined, NNG enables OEMs to stay in total control of their infotainment solutions, instead of ceding it to a third party that could leave the automaker potentially exposed to external forces they have no control over. 

“At the end of the day, the user experience is a critical part of your brand. I don’t want to give this part away to another brand … [and] I always want to be in complete control of customer data.” 

• Stephan Durach, BMW Connected Company unit 

Partner wisely 

Ultimately, savvy automakers remain wary about relying on big tech players to provide solutions for critical applications within their vehicles. After all, Silicon Valley has been known to lose interest in sectors it decides are not worthy of continued investment – and simply walk away. Also, even the biggest tech players can fold, such is the transient nature of the industry. 

However, with over 17 years of experience in navigation software development, NNG has a track record that demonstrates its ongoing dedication and commitment to the technology – and our clients. The figures speak for themselves too; our tech is already used in over 30 car brands, and we have over 100 million navigation licenses on the road. In other words, NNG is in this for the long haul.