CHICAGO, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions, announced that its contract as the primary traffic data provider for MSN Direct has been extended. NAVTEQ Traffic(TM) will continue to be offered on Microsoft's Live Search Maps web-based service, and as part of the MSN Direct connected services bundle offered on a growing number of connected portable navigation devices.

MSN Direct delivers a wide variety of content to commuters, including NAVTEQ Traffic data, which is sent wirelessly to GPS navigation devices, helping commuters get to their destinations faster. NAVTEQ Traffic's robust data is derived from a comprehensive range of sources including sensors, probe data, combined traffic flow and incident coverage for accidents, road construction and closures, and detailed knowledge of local traffic patterns.

With the new contract, Microsoft has significantly expanded traffic coverage in its MSN Direct Traffic product. The new coverage includes 106 North American markets, all of which is powered by NAVTEQ Traffic.

NAVTEQ Traffic delivers comprehensive, up-to-the minute accurate information to leading North American companies like MSN Direct, offering:

    --  The most comprehensive proprietary data sources, including probe,
        sensor, local traffic patterns, and combined incident and flow
        information merged to create a complete and high-quality traffic
        solution
    --  Unique traffic processing and quality control mechanisms, using our
        proprietary NAVTEQ Smart Traffic Processor(TM)
    --  The industry's widest array of distribution formats and business models

"NAVTEQ brings a commitment and expertise to traffic data innovation that MSN Direct shares," said Joe Coco, Product Unit Manager - MSN Direct. "This traffic information complements the MSN Direct content suite of location-based services with high quality, accurate data to improve the commute experience. We're pleased that we can provide this enhanced information to travelers to help make their commutes faster and more efficient."

"NAVTEQ has a longstanding commitment to provide high-quality, comprehensive traffic coverage to our customers," said Howard Hayes, vice president for NAVTEQ Traffic. "With this new agreement, NAVTEQ and MSN Direct together can continue to offer travelers the best real-time traffic information available."

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4,000 employees located in 186 offices and in 36 countries.

NAVTEQ, NAVTEQ Smart Traffic Processor and NAVTEQ Traffic are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060313/NAVTEQLOGO)

Web site: http://www.navteq.com/