Car rental company takes the lead in the Middle East to harness GPS technology for its customers

Already one of the leading international transportation solutions providers in tourist-friendly UAE has announced that it will be introducing this intelligent technology in its service. Budget Rent-a-Car Dubai & Sharjah, which operates one of the largest car rental services in the region, will introduce in August this innovative technology that gives voice directions to the various places around the UAE, using one of the most advanced portable GPS navigation systems.

Budget's move will allow its customers, especially first-time visitors to the UAE, to explore the country, pointing them to the most efficient routes and amenities while assuring them total peace of mind. For a nominal Dhs45 per day, Budget's customers can rent the highly advanced Garmin StreetPilot 2610, a portable, user-friendly and intelligent GPS navigation system that can be placed on the dashboard.

Duncan Peat, Group General Manager, Budget Rent A Car Dubai & Sharjah, which is a member of the Dubai-based Liberty Investment Company, explained that the StreetPilot 2610 would largely help first-time visitors who wish to explore the UAE and its facilities while driving around unfamiliar neighborhoods. He added that both tourists and business travelers can immensely benefit from the facility, adding that the country's metropolitan areas can sometimes challenge even the most experienced drivers.

'GPS navigation has been around for many years, but until now it has been a luxury, too expensive and complicated for people to experience its benefits,' Peat pointed out. 'Budget is the first car rental company in the Middle East to introduce this important and useful feature in its service - a key element that will help customers navigate their way around the country, saving them considerable time and fuel costs.'

StreetPilot 2610 is more practical than large, cumbersome maps. Budget's customers, whose choose this advanced function, need not pull up alongside a road to consult large maps or ask for directions around the country. This sophisticated facility is offered to Budget's customers through all the company's outlets in Dubai and Sharjah, including the Dubai International Airport outlet.

Simplified for automotive applications, StreetPilot 2610 is an advanced touch-screen portable navigation system that guides its users through the appropriate routes and important facilities such as restaurants, malls, ATMs, hotels, petrol stations, airports, exhibition centers and important attractions - in an easy-to-understand, user-friendly format. The 2610 features a large color display screen, comprehensive built-in maps and the capability to download additional map detail.

The easy access to automatic route calculations, large colorful screen and step-by-step voice directions mean that drivers can now navigate around the country without losing the way. Additionally, voice prompts guide the driver to the correct destination and eliminate the need to look at the screen all the time, adding to increased safety on the roads. By incorporating WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) technology, the device offers more precise location finding.

StreetPilot 2610's Automatic Rerouting function calculates a new route in case a driver misses a turn and guides him to the next detour to take the right path. The device is continuously updated to provide customers with accurate, ready-reference information content to guide them around.

'As a company focused on incorporating the latest international trends in its services, Budget Rent A Car is excited to introduce the StreetPilot 2610 into its portfolio of offerings,' Peat stated. 'This is a simple, easy-to-understand device, meaning that even if you are completely new to the world of GPS, you can still use this and navigate safely around the country.'