Motoring information services for Germany and beyond.

In August 1997, a partnership of Daimler-Benz and Deutsche Telecom launched Tegaron Info, a service giving real time traffic news to German drivers via mobile phone. Over an 18 month-period, Tegaron is introducing a range of services, including: (1) Tegaron Info; (2) assistance with orientation; (3) dynamic route guidance; (4) emergency services; (5) breakdown services; (6) systems for preventing motor vehicle theft; and (7) information services. To access Tegaron Info, a driver dials 2211 on a mobile phone, thus automatically sending his vehicle's current position to a traffic information centre, which sends spoken replies to his travel and traffic inquiries. He receives information updates every 15min for an hour, and is immediately sent special warnings. Tegaron Info enables drivers to react quickly and flexibly to changing driving conditions. In April 1997, the Intelligent Traffic Guidance System (ITGS) was set up in Tokyo; it is operated by Daimler-Benz Japan and DEBIs together with local partners. In ITGS, the police collate data from about 14,000 sensors and over 200 video cameras. Mobile communications then transmit the data to individual vehicles, located by the Global Positioning System (GPS); their drivers are given fastest route information every 5min. Tegaron Info is using ITGS know-how.