San Diego-based InfoGation Corp. is racing to the starting line in this still developing field with a tank of venture capital. Its telematics technology is coveted by U.S.-based manufacturers with powerful incentives to bring the family auto online. More advanced systems are available in both Europe and Japan, including real-time services that can warn drivers about, and direct them around, traffic jams. Last month, InfoGation revealed it had developed an on-board navigation system for autos that will be included by year's end in cars manufactured by French auto manufacturer Peugot Citroen. Practical applications for telematics include emergency services and deliveries.
Case sees two engines driving the U.S. adoption of telematics.
This not only opens up limitless advertising and partnering opportunities for auto manufacturers, but also provides them with a computerized link to their customers to drive service and sales, Case said. Like most high-tech startups, InfoGation is in a race with an unknown deadline. The company is in a national recruiting drive for software engineers, product managers, and top-level executives. InfoGation is offering bounties to its employees who bring on new talent, and sign-on bonuses for the talent it locates. Kent Pu is the founder and chief technology officer.