Branded GPS-device vendors Garmin and TomTom are reportedly expected to venture into the GPS-enabled handset market, with market rumors stating that Garmin has already held talks for cooperation with Taiwan-based ODM handset maker Compal Communications, according to market sources.
Both Garmin and Compal Communications declined to comment on market speculations. However, market sources noted that Compal Communications has already built two PND (portable navigation device) models for Via Michelin, a car-service subsidiary of Michelin, indicating that the ODM handset maker is capable of manufacturing GPS handsets.
TomTom unveiled a PND with a SIM card slot at this year's CeBIT trade show, raising market speculation that the company eventually may move into the GPS handset segment, said market sources.
Additionally, TomTom's two major partners in Taiwan, Quanta Computer and Inventec Appliances, both are experienced handset makers and should be able to expand their production lines to include GPS handsets if they are able to secure orders from TomTom, the sources asserted.
Article translated by Steve Shen and edited by Eric Mah
