Calling All Drivers - Dash Hits the Streets With Unique Nationwide Road Test Program
Written by Dash Navigation(TM), Inc.
Monday, 09 April 2007
Company Recruiting 2,000 Frustrated Commuters in Preparation for Fall Launch
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 9 -- Dash Navigation(TM), Inc. today
announced plans to recruit 2,000 drivers to "road test" the Dash
Express(TM), the first Internet-connected automotive GPS. The company
recently completed a successful six-month field trial in the San
Francisco Bay Area. Now, Dash is turning traditional auto navigation
testing upside down by crisscrossing the country to actively engage
thousands of consumers in the process. Commuters eager to be the first
to test drive the Dash Express are encouraged to apply by visiting
http://www.dash.net/.
"We're committed to doing whatever it takes to deliver a great
consumer experience," said Dash Chief Executive Officer Paul Lego. "The
only way to do this well is to hit the road and reach out to the
community for real-world input and feedback. This program also allows
us to begin building our national Dash Driver Network immediately."
With its unique set of connected features, the Dash Express goes well beyond existing, standalone GPS devices. Here's why:
-- The Dash Driver Network -- Know the best ways around traffic using
information generated from other devices in the Dash community.
-- Yahoo! Local search -- Find virtually anything -- people, places,
products, and services. Simply select your result and drive right to
it.
-- Send to Car -- Send addresses from any computer straight to the
dashboard, eliminating the need for paper maps and directions.
-- Dynamic Destination Information -- Get the latest gas prices, movie
times and community-based ratings for destinations -- right from the
driver's seat.
-- Automatic Updates -- Automatically receive updated features and
software.
"We're excited to expand our testing beyond California," added
Robert Acker, Dash senior vice president of marketing. "We don't
believe that navigation is a one-size-fits-all experience. A driver in
Los Angeles has very different needs than a driver in Atlanta. This
national road test will enable us to really understand how people use
and value our product in different regions across the country."
Calling All Drivers -- Be the First to Test Drive Dash
Dash is looking for about two thousand technology enthusiasts
throughout the country to join the exclusive Dash Driver Network as it
prepares for a national commercial launch this fall. In particular,
Dash is looking for heavy commuters and mobile gadget enthusiasts.
Consumers can apply to join the free Dash National Road Test at
http://www.dash.net/. Drivers will be selected based on responses to a
short survey and will be notified via email if they have been chosen.
Anyone who visits the site can also sign up to be alerted when Dash
begins sales later this year.
Dash Wins Rave Reviews from Early Testers
To date, more than 200 drivers in California have participated in early field tests. Consumer feedback has been very positive.
-- "When I start a trip, I enjoy seeing the estimated time of arrival and
what traffic might lie ahead for me," said San Jose nanny, Lottie
Drake. "I also like that it often presents routes that are better
than the ones that I usually take."
-- "When I go to a new place I no longer have to spend the time looking at
directions online and remembering to print them," said Berkeley small
business owner Jeremy Siwek. "I use the Yahoo! Search function very
often and really enjoy it."
-- "I am in sales and I drive to different destinations every day and Dash
replaces my need to use MapQuest, while also allowing me to change
destinations quickly when needed," said Elaine Tersigni of San Jose.
About Dash Navigation, Inc.
Dash Navigation connects people to the information that
empowers them in their cars. The company is located in Mountain View,
Calif. and is funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sequoia
Capital, Skymoon Ventures, Crescendo Ventures, Artis Capital, ZenShin
Capital Partners and Gold Hill Capital. Dash Express, the first
Internet-connected GPS, was named a 2007 "Best of CES" Award winner by
CNET and LAPTOP Magazine. Dash was also recognized as an Innovations
Honoree by the Consumer Electronics Association. For more information
or to sign up to be notified when Dash is available in your area, visit
Dash Navigation at: http://www.dash.net/.
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