3D CAR NAVIGATION SOFTWARE HITS MALAYSIA BY YEAR-END

By D. Arul Rajoo

AYUTTHAYA, July 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysian-owned Aapico Hitech PCL, one of
the leading autoparts manufacturers in Thailand, is planning to launch the first
real 3D car navigation software in Malaysia and Singapore by year-end.

Its president and chief executive officer, Yeap Swee Chuan, said his IT
experts were putting the final touches to the Powermap X2 software, including
images of prominent landmarks in the two countries.

"The map is ready...in fact, we have already sent it for some editing in
Malaysia and for images to be incorporated. With this, drivers can drive all the
way from Thailand to Malaysia and Singapore, without worrying about getting
lost," he said after a visit by Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Huzni Zai
Yaacob to the Aapico plant here.

Yeap said the Powermap X2 would certainly transform the car navigation
industry in Malaysia and Singapore as it was equipped with the latest technology
available in the market, with 3D features.

Since establishing the Able ITS company in 2004 to develop the Intelligent
Transport Systems (ITS) and capture the niche market, Yeap said they had spent
about US$2 million to develop the software, including hiring IT brains from
Germany, Japan, Thailand and Taiwan.

Launched in February to become Thailand's first real 3D car navigation
software, Yeap said, Powermap X2 had been doing very well, and currently
available in AVT, i-fox, JVC, Panasonic, Priority, Worldtech and Zulex products
nationwide.

"Our staff are continuosly updating the database. Powermap users can get the
map upgrade from our website or from our dealers," said the founder and Thai
stock exchange-listed Aapico, a leading automotive jig and die designers and
manufacturers, as well as OEM parts producers.

Developed with the cooperation of the world's leading map producer, Navteq,
Yeap said the software displayed 3D landmarks and junction views, providing
users with confidence and ease, in following driving directions even at
difficult intersections.

To ensure maximum benefits to users and attract wide range of customers, the
Powermap X2 comes with a choice of voice navigation in Thai, English, Bahasa
Malaysia, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese.

Yeap said the Powermap X2 was also equipped to support the Traffic
Monitoring Communication (TMC) real-time navigation, and can be customised for
companies such as fleet management systems for transport companies.

"If the TMC can be integrated into the car navigation system, we can beat
the traffic jams.

"We are working closely with the Thai Government on achieving this, and
ready to offer our service to the Malaysian Government, as well," he said.
-- BERNAMA