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Garmin wraps up acquisition of Navigon

One GPS giant absorbs another with Garmin's purchase of Navigon.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin

Navigon logo
Navigon's new logo identifies it as "a Garmin company." Garmin/Navigon

It's official: Garmin now owns Navigon AG. You'll likely recognize Garmin as the manufacturer of the Nuvi and Zumi lines of portable navigation devices and Navigon as the creator of navigation apps for iOS and Android. Garmin announced that it had signed an agreement to purchase Navigon back in mid-June and today announced that the acquisition has been completed for an undisclosed amount.

In absorbing Navigon, Garmin stated that it was "also acquiring one of the top-selling navigation applications for the iPhone and Android platforms." This is important because the portable navigation devices have been losing ground to smartphone navigation apps, a market that Garmin has not played a large role in until now. Garmin will also be getting Navigon's market share in the European portable navigation device market and OEM automotive navigation technologies.

Navigon board member Egon Minar states, "We are excited to be a part of Garmin and we look forward to turning our efforts toward integration and the opportunities ahead. Navigon has an innovative new product lineup that we're excited to bring to market in time for the holiday 2011 season and beyond."