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Porsche Communication Management now with real-time traffic information

More relaxed driving and arrive on time: from September Porsche drivers will be able to access traffic information in real time. All new vehicles with Porsche Communication Management (PCM 3.1) and the option "online services" that is now available free of charge in Europe can be connected with a smartphone and offer the new traffic service without any additional charge. The big advantage: the system does not only process data from TMC and TMCpro, it now also uses a much larger database, including the GPS data of numerous mobile telephones. This data originates from INRIX, a technology firm specialising in the collection and analysis of traffic data in real time.

The real-time traffic information gives drivers a constant overview of the current traffic volume in their vicinity, at their destination and along the route entered in the navigation menu. The continuous updating of data at short intervals ensures that changes to the traffic situation are shown with virtually no delay. This results in a clear further increase to the quality and response speed of the dynamic route calculation: traffic jams can be identified as they develop and avoided, and any delays are minimised. The coloured representation enables drivers to grasp the current traffic situation intuitively and at a glance: green roads stand for flowing traffic, yellow for stop-and-go and red for routes with traffic jams.

To activate the new service drivers simply need to download the free "Aha radio" app onto their smartphone via Apple iTunes or Google play and connect it with the PCM. Shortly after establishing a connection the PCM navigation map shows the current traffic situation. The service is available in 14 European countries.

In addition, from 2016 Porsche Tequipment will also offer a retrofit solution for the new service for vehicles with PCM 3.1 built after November 2012. If the option "online services" is already on board, a navigation update at the usual price of 232.05 Euro including VAT is all that is needed. The software for the real-time traffic information is then included in the scope of supply at no additional charge. For vehicles with PCM 3.1 but without "online services" the upgrade costs 351.05 Euro including VAT. This extended package contains the "online services" in conjunction with the new traffic service, and also the latest map data.