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NAVIGATION SYSTEMS IN VEHICLES FROM ABROAD
Most navigation systems in vehicles that are imported from the USA and Canada, do not work in Europe. What is this ? It is clear that the GPS system, which covers the whole planet, must also work here. The problem lies in the software that the navigation system requires for its activity. This software includes the map data, which the manufacturer provides on the CD or DVD media. If the vehicle is sold abroad, the CD/DVD contains data for the appropriate area and if the vehicle is sold in Europe then the CD/DVD contains map data for Europe. If a vehicle is imported from abroad, it would seem that the simple solution would be to insert a European CD/DVD into the navigation equipment. No, it is not that simple. If the collection, creation and updating of maps were a cheap affair, we could probably expect one CD/DVD, which would work in all navigation systems. But as business in this field is very costly, all car manufacturers and manufacturers of navigation systems protect their data, which cost a lot to purchase, and for this reason map media are non-transferrable and incompatible between individual brands of navigation systems and brands of car. There are exceptions here; there are manufacturers that make us happy and fit their vehicles sold on EU markets and overseas with navigation systems for which it really is sufficient to buy the map data for the area you are in for the particular car brand and the navigation system will work. At the moment we know of several brands; if you come across any new information, please let us know.
List of vehicle brands imported from overseas
for which the original navigation system works with an EU map: 1. Infiniti, Nissan
2. Lexus, Toyota
3. BMW
4. VW, Porsche
5. Corvette
6. Volvo
List of vehicle brands imported from overseas
for which the original navigation system does not work with an EU map: 1. Chrysler
2. Ford
3. Lincoln, Mercury
+others to be determined
In the case of vehicles where we know the original navigation system will not work, we solve the problem in the following manner:
1. We import the vehicle with the navigation system, which we exchange in the Czech Republic for an identical one from the European version of the car. 2. We import the vehicle without a navigation system and if navigation is required, we expertly install a navigation system into the vehicle. a/ With the aid of an interface (black box with electronics), which is intended for the vehicle in question, we connect a new European navigation system with the current LCD display; this solution is a little more expensive but is uses the existing LCD display so there is no extra LCD display added in the vehicle. b/ If no interface is manufactured for the type of vehicle in question or the vehicle is not equipped with an LCD display to provide information or if the installation should be as cheap as possible, we install a new European navigation system with its own LCD screen. At present, it is a good idea to use navigation that has good support and coverage of the Czech Republic. This includes the following:1. Blaupunkt navigationa/ Connection of the factory LCD information panel via an interface with the new navigation system 
b/ Navigation that is part of the radio (1DIN dimension), so by exchanging the existing radio, we get a radio that includes navigation; the disadvantage here is the small display on the radio. 
c/ Navigation that is part of the radio (1DIN dimension), where an LCD panel comes out of the radio, the advantage here is the large LCD panel. 
d/ Navigation taht is hidden in the vehicle (the boot, under the seat, in the storage cupboards) and an additional LCD panel is located on the dashboard or on a holder on the dashboard (like, for example, handsfree); this LCD can be simply removed and stored. 
2. Garmin navigation (recommend StreetPilot 2610 or 2620)
An advantage of the Garmin StreetPilot portable navigation system system is that it can be transferred between several vehicles; the device with a touch-screen LCD display is either attached to a fixed base, which is connected to the dashboard or is attached to a ballast base filled with sand, which holds well on the dashboard through friction and its weight alone; power is supplied by the cigarette lighter, which also contains a speaker from which you can hear the instructions for voice navigation (turn left, keep left, go straight ahead, you have 200 metres left until your turn etc.).
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