New product from Siemens VDO Dayton
MS 2100 portable navigation system
with TMC, MP3 audio and photo display 

Motion Trends,
17th September 2005.

No, this one is not under development, like the Siemens VDO Automotive EWB, or the pro.pilot or the other systems presented by Siemens at the 61st Frankfurt motor show (15-25 September).

It is on the market.

What  is the MS 2100?

It is a compact, portable navigation system launched by Siemens VDO Dayton division, with access to full European mapping and free TMC (Traffic Message Channel) function – simple to integrate into the vehicle.

VDO Dayton is continuing to expand its range of navigation systems. Following the fixed and radio slot devices, the company is now, for the first time, also offering a "portable navigation device" (PND): the VDO Dayton MS 2100, as an entry-level model or variant for drivers who regularly switch vehicles.

The pocket pilot can be installed and integrated without difficulty on any vehicle like all other VDO Dayton systems. Thanks to an optional remote control device it can be operated safely and conveniently from the steering wheel while driving. The system also gives the driver access to the full digital map material for Western Europe and is one of the first devices on the market to offer a free TMC service.

As with its fixed systems, VDO Dayton has taken care to ensure convenient, simple and therefore safe operation of the MS 2100. The device can be operated not only via an easy-to-follow menu on the large touch screen but, if wished, also via an optional cordless remote control which can be fitted easily to the steering wheel. Drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.

The 3.5 inch screen has a non-reflecting surface and is backlit so that the maps can be read easily at all times. For fast and easy mounting, the fist-sized device has a practical swan neck with suction foot. Additional mounting holders are available as optional extras.

With the MS 2100 the navigation is not restricted to individual countries. All devices are supplied complete with the full digital map material for Western Europe including special destinations, the so-called "points of interest" (POIs). By means of a USB connection or SD card this data can be easily transferred to a PC at home for individual configuration. For this purpose there is not only the MS 2100's 544 MB flash memory but also a separate slot for an SD card. With this memory card additional navigation data as well as MP3 format music files or digital photos can be loaded and called up on the MS 2100.

The MS 2100 is one of the first devices on the market to offer a free TMC function in almost all European countries: the PND receives the free Traffic Message Channel news on the radio data system, without any need for charge-based online enquiries or mobile phone connections, and, if so wished, can guide drivers dynamically around road works and traffic congestions to their destination. This service is initially available for the core countries of Central Europe and is to be rolled out successively over the coming months. Parallel with the MS 2100 VDO Dayton is marketing the MS 2000, a version without TMC functionality.

As on VDO Dayton's fixed systems, the MS 2100's route guidance is in the form of spoken directions, pictograms and routes. The device offers a choice of a two or three-dimensional display. It also features an automatic zoom function which enables complicated route sections, junctions or turnings to be enlarged. In addition, all images, menu items and user control fields are partly transparent so that the map on the level beneath remains visible. In this way the driver always has an overview of the broader map context.

The MS 2100 can operate independently thanks to its powerful and easy-to-remove rechargeable battery, and can therefore also be used by pedestrians or motorcyclists. It can also be quickly integrated in the car by plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket. The MS 2100 also features a separate audio outlet port through which navigation directions or MP3 music can be channeled into the vehicle's entertainment system and played through the audio system loudspeakers.

Siemens VDO Automotive is one of the world's leading suppliers of electronics and mechatronics to the automotive industry. In the 2004 business year (30.9.), Siemens VDO Automotive generated sales of EUR 9.0 billion with about 48,000 employees. The service activities, the special original equipment manufacturing as well as all content software business for navigation systems are bundled within the Service & Special Solutions business unit. With the VDO, VDO Dayton and Siemens VDO product brands, the company’s portfolio ranges from car navigation, car multimedia and sophisticated car audio systems to telematics solutions for private and public vehicle fleets. Industrial and marine products for original equipment manufacturers with low volumes or special requirements, genuine brand replacement parts and spare part service for end of production vehicles complete the product portfolio. Service & Special Solutions is one of the leading service companies in the automotive market. With 2.900 employees the business unit runs separate production and development locations and is present in 80 countries and all relevant distribution channels.