Garmin 2008 Annual Report Download - page 14

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12
M A R I N E
With products for lake-loving fishermen, sailboat racing teams and
all manner of mariners, the Garmin name is becoming a familiar sight
on boats of all sizes. In 2008, Garmin increased our presence in the
global marine market and introduced a wide variety of product offerings
to round out our marine electronics suite.
Garmin announced improvements to our two most popular marine
radars — the GMR™18 HD and GMR 24 HD — giving consumers better
target separation and clearer definition at close ranges. Like other
Garmin radar (and unlike most competitors), these new units process
signals within the radome via a digital signal processor. This type
of processing allows for more precise recognition, enhancement and
filtering of radar echoes, making the finished display easier to interpret.
The improved radomes were popular with both the powerboat and
sailing markets.
At the United Kingdom’s Southampton Boat Show, Garmin presented
its first sailing-specific product: the GWS™10 wind sensor. The GWS
10 acts as a mini weather station, providing barometric pressure and
air temperature data in addition to apparent wind and pressure trend
data. Champion yachtsman Mike Golding was on hand at the Garmin
booth to talk about his experience navigating some of the world’s
most challenging waters with Garmin equipment onboard his vessel.
The GHP™10 Autopilot received critical acclaim for its unique,
patented Shadow Drive™technology, which automatically disengages
the autopilot if the helm is turned. This allows for quick manual
maneuvers without physically disengaging the autopilot. Once a new
course is established, the GHP 10 automatically resumes control.
Also new in 2008 were the VHF 100 and 200, two powerful VHF
radios designed for both OEM and aftermarket applications. The
radios sport a simple user interface and have easy-to-read displays
that are the largest in their class.
Garmin introduced two new GPSMAP®portable navigation devices
designed to be used on land and at sea. Both are waterproof with
bright 5.2-inch touchscreen displays. The GPSMAP 640 comes
preloaded with both street maps and marine charts. The GPSMAP
620 is designed for markets outside the United States and accepts
street or marine cartography via an SD™card slot.
These new products work in conjunction with the Garmin marine
lineup to provide a complete network of marine products for boats
of all sizes. As we enhance our product offerings, our appeal across
a broader spectrum of boat manufacturers will also increase. Already
several OEM partnerships have resulted, including Zodiac of North
America, Mainship, Queenship, Sea Fox, Scout and Sunseeker.
At the beginning of 2009, Garmin announced a partnership with
EdgeWater Power Boats. EdgeWater will offer customers an electronics
suite that includes Garmin’s 15-inch touchscreen color chartplotter,
the GHP 10 Autopilot, high definition radar, digital sounder module
and XM satellite weather/audio antenna.This partnership strengthens
Garmin’s growing position as a leading marine electronics supplier.
A combination of sponsorships, appearances at major boat shows
and worldwide and print advertising have worked to keep Garmin’s
name top of mind when it comes to premium marine systems. In addition
to full-page color advertisements in
Boating, Salt Water Sportsman,
In-Fisherman
and other popular boating magazines, Garmin also
sponsored the Volvo City Sailing Championships around the Nordic
countries, as well as the Southern Kingfisher Tour in the United States.