14 Jun 2022
By PETER BARNWELL
NAVIGATING throughout the vastness of Australia can be problematic if you rely on mobile phone connectivity because of terrain- and distance-related dropouts. This is a non-issue in new Jaguar or Land Rover vehicles equipped with the latest what3words (w3w) technology that delivers accurate and precise navigation, even in the most remote locations.
Current Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) owners may also be able to avail themselves of the system free of charge and remotely over-the-air if their vehicle is equipped with the Pivi Pro Infotainment System.
JLR is the first automotive manufacturer to integrate w3w global location technology into vehicles already on the road through a software-over-the-air (SOTA) update function. A geolocation system, w3w has divided the globe into a grid of three-metre by three-metre squares, and given each one a unique combination of three words: a what3words address.
Through the “always-on” technology, which works without the need for mobile connectivity, new and existing customers are able to navigate to any precise location in the world using just three words.
“This world-changing technology is all about simplification, providing our customers with a seamless modern luxury experience that means they can find their way anywhere in the world without having to worry about connectivity,” said JLR navigation product owner and digital product platform specialist Mark Carter.
“The partnership with what3words, enabled by HERE Technologies, further highlights our advanced SOTA (software over the air) capability which allows us to offer services that are always on and always connected.”
This is part of the latest SOTA upgrade offered to customers this year, following the previous update which gave more than 200,000 owners of existing Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles access to Amazon Alexa.
In total, Jaguar Land Rover has completed more than 1.3 million vehicle-level updates and more than three million engine control unit updates as part of its always-on, always-connected capability, delivering modern luxury and convenience to customers.
Once updated, the system allows customers to input what3words addresses directly into the navigation bar on the Pivi Pro Infotainment system. The integration has been delivered by HERE Technologies, JLR’s navigation partner for the past 25 years.
HERE’s end-to-end, connected driving services include turn-by-turn guidance, real-time traffic and on and off-street parking that enable a personalised experience, intuitively guiding drivers through their entire journey.
“Over the years of working with Jaguar Land Rover, we have gained a deep understanding of their innovative thinking and technical requirements, thanks to which we have been able to build industry-leading navigation solutions,” said HERE Technologies general manager and senior vice president Gino Ferru.
“This is the latest step of our partnership: integrating what3words to Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles globally.”
Chris Sheldrick, co-founder and CEO of what3words, said: “This partnership ensures you can get to the exact destination of your next adventure with ease and in comfort. Jaguar Land Rover recognised the benefits our innovative technology brings to those on the road. Our partnership with HERE Technologies has made this possible.”
Integrated what3words is available in all new and existing Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles fitted with the advanced Pivi Pro infotainment system.
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