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Garmin and Suzuki have entered into an agreement which will equip most of the Japanese automaker's 2013 models with a fully integrated infotainment system by Garmin. The system will be available in most of the Suzuki models launched in the US, and select models in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Russia. The system will be displayed at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

Previously, Garmin has supplied the navigation component of Chrysler's UConnect infotainment system. It has also sold portable navigation units to Suzuki and Nissan. However, this is the first time that the company would be installing a complete, in-dash infotainment system in car models.

The Key Features

The factory-installed infotainment system boasts a 6.1-inch in-dash touch screen and CD player with AM/FM radio. It provides car owners with several connectivity options such as internal flash memory and USB, auxiliary port and Bluetooth. Car owners can enjoy Bluetooth hands-free calling, audio playback and Bluetooth audio streaming. The SD card slot can be used to store digital audio files or map updates.

Some other key features of the system include back-up camera support, Pandora radio and advanced voice control. According to Matt Munn, Garmin's automotive OEM group managing director, "By leveraging our long-standing experience in developing navigation software, user interfaces and hardware design, we created an integrated system that is easy to use and makes driving more enjoyable."

In case a GPS is unavailable, such as when driving in a tunnel or an enclosed area, Garmin's navigation system can provide location information and details by accessing vehicle speed sensors. The system also offers full integration with smart phones. The Garmin Smartphone Link application can also sync with Android phones via Bluetooth and provide drivers with real-time traffic, weather and fuel price updates. The navigation system of Garmin has a voice command system, which allows drivers to enter full addresses and select an audio source to access other functions. Garmin's PhotoReal Junction View provides lane guidance and can also display information related to traffic and speed limit. The data menu screen is customizable and can display several options, such as direction of travel, estimated time of arrival and distance to destination, on the screen. Updated versions of maps are also available for downloads from the Garmin Web portal.

How much is it?

There has been no formal announcement about the possible pricing and exact availability of the system in Suzuki cars. It is expected that the Grand Vitara, which costs $19,499 onwards, will be the highest priced model featuring this infotainment system along with it's oem Suzuki rims (most people choose 17 inch rims), keyless starter and leather seats which are often fitted by car owners on the Grand Vitara.

Garmin, a global leader in satellite navigation, has recently opened new offices in China, Japan and Germany to be closer to the leading car manufacturers and automotive suppliers of the world. By providing dedicated support in sales, marketing, product development and engineering, Garmin would be further able to cement its position as the strongest player in satellite navigation.

This article was brought to you by Heather Harless at OriginalWheels.com. For more information on used Suzuki Wheels or any OE Rims please visit us at OriginalWheels.com.

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If you are looking for the best way to transport your car across the country, the best method is undoubtedly using a professional auto shipping company. For those of you who have never used a service like this before, the whole idea of it may seem a bit daunting. But if you follow a few simple guidelines, the process can be simple, affordable and prevent a lot of hassle.

The first step that should be taken is to establish your needs for auto shipping. Companies offer different shipping services, options and prices depending on each individual's needs, wants and requests. For example, decide if you want your vehicle shipped via an open or closed shipping method. The enclosed method offers a little more security from the elements, but can cost up to 60% more than the open shipping method. Shipping companies also offer expedited car shipping for those people who need their vehicle transported in a hurry. This expedited shipping will substantially increase the price of the service, but it is a service worth researching if time is of the essence.

Once the auto shipping needs have been established, it is time to start searching for different auto shipping companies. The use of the Internet has made comparing prices and service options a breeze. Utilize free online auto shipping quotes to help you compare which options are best for your needs. Determine what the fees include, such as insurance, and what services may cost you extra. Using these pricing quotes as a guideline, be sure to select companies that are not only good economical options, but also companies that the Better Business Bureau finds in good standings or that have received good recommendations from friends, family and even online rating boards.

Upon selecting your auto shipping company, try to select a date with a little flexibility for your vehicle to be picked up by the transport company. Because many shipping companies need to travel to your pickup point, it may take some time for them to get there. If possible, try to select a date that is as close to your departure date as possible so you aren't stuck without your car for any extended period of time and so that you are at your final destination to receive the car from the shipping company.

Before your car is picked up, be sure to clean the inside. Remove trash, personal items and anything of value because companies are not responsible for shipping the personal items in your car. Also, it's just a good idea to clear any excess clutter before the car is moved so you don't have to deal with any extra work when it arrives at its new destination. Be sure to carefully inspect the condition of your car before it is picked up for transport in case anything is damaged during transport.

After your car is picked up for transport, remember to be patient when waiting for its arrival. Companies will offer you a window of time for delivery based on their travel and pick up schedules. If that time window is not satisfactory, it would be a good idea to request and pay for expedited delivery to ensure that delivery time.

Shipping your vehicle should be an easy, quick and pain free experience with the right auto shipping company by your side. Use these tips to help guide you in your auto shipping needs.

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