As focused business readers, you probably aren't interested in what's happening in the consumer market; but what starts life there often migrates to the commercial world not long afterwards. So you might feel entitled to be intrigued with the latest AVIC-X1 in-vehicle navigation system from Pioneer, which combines journey planning with in-vehicle entertainment.

Navigation is handled by a 6.5-inch (16 cm) LCD monitor, which displays maps plus route instructions and points of interest. At the same time, the new system offers entertainment options from CDs, DVDs and other sources including radio, and provision for separate display units for back-seat passengers.

Tele Atlas is providing the digital mapping both in Europe and in the United States. For Europe it includes 17 countries, providing detailed and up-to-date coverage of 87 per cent of the populated areas of Western Europe plus the Czech Republic. It also includes 1.3 million points of interest, classified in more than 50 categories such as services, leisure and recreation and lodging.