MiTAC completes purchase of Magellan

MiTAC has announced the completion of their purchase of Magellan’s consumer products division, and revealed some insights into their strategy and future plans:

• The Mio and Magellan product lines will coexist in the U.S., though they will share technological expertise
• Mio will add new “GPS-based lifestyle products” to their line, so maybe we’ll soon see their Mobile Internet Device that was on display at CES

UPDATE: TWICE is reporting that this or a similar device (they are calling it a UMPC ) will hit the market this fall at around $299.

Here’s the full news release:

Following MiTAC International Corporation’s now-final purchase of Magellan Navigation’s Consumer Products Division, Mio Technology has announced a shift in strategy. The company will continue to deliver sleek, easy-to-use portable navigation devices, but also accelerate development of a variety of innovative GPS-based lifestyle products that extend the user experience well beyond traditional PNDs.

“We are energized for 2009 and focused not only on the roll-out of Mio’s new products announced at CES, but on the unique hardware platforms we are quickly moving through our development pipeline,” said Jerry Barbera, vice president of sales and marketing, Mio Technology USA. “Design and technological innovation are the foundation of what we do, and we are excited that the Mio brand can now place additional emphasis on bringing cutting-edge and creative navigation and convergence products to market in the U.S.”

MiTAC International, a leading worldwide maker of wireless communications products including portable GPS navigation devices, will operate both the Mio and Magellan brands independently in the U.S., but the brands will share technological expertise. MiTAC announced the purchase on Dec. 15, 2008. Mio Technology is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MiTAC.

“The portable navigation device market is an exciting and ever-changing space; MiTAC is always looking for opportunities to expand the navigation experience for our customers and elevate our global brand awareness,” said Billy Ho, president, MiTAC International Corp. “This gives us the opportunity to offer Mio’s innovative GPS-based products while leveraging Magellan’s heritage in the market and its partner relationships.”

At CES 2009, Mio Technology unveiled several new PNDs that will hit the market in the first half of this year. The stylish devices span the full range from entry-level to premium and are packed with easy-to-use features that enhance a user’s experience. Each comes preloaded with Mio “Spirit” navigation software, which offers fast search and navigation. The company also displayed its first concept Mobile Internet Device, which demonstrates Mio’s progression toward unique lifestyle products.

The purchase of the Magellan Navigation Consumer Products Division by MiTAC is effective immediately. MiTAC is currently overseeing the integration of Magellan into the company’s global operations.