NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, announced that Microsoft Corporation, a worldwide leader in software and solutions, has chosen NAVTEQ(R) map data for Mexico to power its server products. NAVTEQ’s newly integrated digital maps of Mexico will complete the NAVTEQ North America map database currently available on Microsoft’s proprietary location-enabled applications. Microsoft already relies on NAVTEQ’s comprehensive map data of the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, as well as Western Europe and Asia.

The NAVTEQ map of Mexico covers the entire population of Mexico (approximately 100 million), including Detailed Coverage in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara metropolitan areas. The major highways, secondary roads and arterial streets in these metropolitan areas have been verified against over 600 validation rules and conform to NAVTEQ’s standard global data specification. This attention to detail provides a high quality dataset that can immediately be integrated with other NAVTEQ maps, which also allows for a seamless navigation experience across the US and Mexico border.

Numerous Microsoft business and consumer products use NAVTEQ digital maps. The broad scope of products includes online services, PC applications and gaming software. The popular mapping and location-based platforms, Microsoft Streets & Trips, Microsoft MapPoint, Live Search Maps and MSN all rely on NAVTEQ digital map data.

"Microsoft continues to expand its relationship with NAVTEQ," said Bobby Figueroa, director of product management for Live Search Maps, Virtual Earth and Local Search at Microsoft. "In addition to providing high quality map data, NAVTEQ adds incremental value to our products and services. Microsoft’s ability to meet growing customer mapping and location needs is made possible by NAVTEQ’s global network of offerings."

NAVTEQ and Microsoft forged a relationship in 2003 when Microsoft selected NAVTEQ to supply map data of the United States and Canada for its product applications. The relationship expanded shortly thereafter to include NAVTEQ map data for Western Europe and Asia. Most recently, NAVTEQ collaborated with Microsoft to supply enhanced mapping information for its highly successful

PC-based "Flight Simulator" franchise. Now, with the inclusion of NAVTEQ’s map of Mexico, Microsoft can provide a complete navigable map of the entire North American expanse to its users.

"NAVTEQ is delighted that Microsoft decided to broaden its scope of NAVTEQ maps to include our robust Mexico database," stated Winston Guillory, senior vice president, Consumer & Business Sales, NAVTEQ. "Microsoft’s innovative products coupled with the high quality NAVTEQ maps prominently position both companies as key players in the growing navigation space in Mexico."