UISproducts consist of proprietary software/hardware solutions that provide the positioning, navigation, video & map display and control the communications functions. UIS uses a unique approach to displaying the map and determining the vehicle location such that the vehicle is always centered in the screen within centimeters of its position as shown relative to the image details, effectively providing lane level accuracies.
Because of the unique approach for managing the map and navigation data, the user does not have to worry about loading and/or changing DVD. UIS uses image maps that are much more intuitive and informative than existing color map displays. UISalso uses 3G modern Communications Technology to connect the user with the outside world.
UIS includes standard features such asUIS video call andUIS SOS, in addition to providing the user with I-net, Fax, E-mail, Text messaging (SMS), MMS. Support is provided by regionally placed UNS Labs “24X7 Live Support Centers”.
Competition
Current players in the vehicle navigation market include OEM delivered systems (BMW, Ford, Chrysler, GM, Mercedes, Lexus, Toyota and etc) as well as several add-ons after market suppliers. Tom-Tom (currently holds a 23% to 45% of the after market small screen 3.5” to 4.5” globally, and also offers a mobile solution, which competes with Nokia at present and an in vehicle small screen device which attaches to the automobile windshield via a suction cup.
Other manufacturers such as Garmin and smaller competitors whom also produce the same type application with smaller add-on features such as “touch screen”, “screw-on or attached on to a base” units which are usually installed in the line view of the driver on the dashboard of the vehicle. Navigon, of UAE, produced a PDA version called the Locator, similar to other solutions in the market for the last few years that are mainly focused on the PDA solution or DVD based players that are supplied as additional equipment for the vehicle.
Performance of these systems is limited due to the technology choice and capability of the vehicle interface and installation. Although these systems enjoy a relatively high take-up at market launch, the consumer often becomes dissatisfied with the provided functionality.
Universal will offer support services such as a 24/7 call center as a standard feature. Most systems either don’t offer this level of support or they offer it as an optional cost item, such as in the case of ON STAR System featured by GM. Universal hardware is assembled from product suppliers independent of our competitors however; navigation data is supplied by the same providers.
Given that there are only two or three data suppliers worldwide this provides benefit to the customer since they will have access to the same information (if up-dated in regular intervals)
Garmin, Tom-Tom, NAVTEQ, Magellan and many others have head starts in the marketplace,
yet Universal offers extensive benefits that the leaders do not. By Universal launching in solid demographic markets such as the USA, Europe and the UAE followed by GCC coverage, and with the magnitude Universal will launch, should establish not only quick credibility but the demand to expand into more prolific markets.
Universal will aggressively pursue the North America Market first, to gain market share and name recognition. For the last 15 months since the official “launch of UNS”, Universals web-site is averaging an impressive number of visits per day with large downloads from the global visitors on its website, and we find this most encouraging for a company that has not yet produced revenues.
