Speaking to news agency Headlineauto, Jan Maarten de Vries, vice-president of marketing for TomTom, said: ‘We are working on a number of technologies based around ease of use and connectivity with other devices such as smart phones.

‘This will mean we can make more use of what's already available in the car. For instance the main display may still be located in the centre of the dashboard, but we will then be able to utilise the small information screen in front of the steering wheel to give specific details while immediate instruction will be projected onto the windscreen via a head-up display.

‘In addition we will also start to do away with complete maps in the sat nav. Routes for specific journeys will be downloaded direct to the device in the car, which will mean less data needing to be stored.’

Mr De Vries added that the navigation systems will also link into cellular networks in the future as well as using satellites.

Frankfurt Motor Show also saw the announcement that Daimler is to extend the number of cars equipped with TomTom’s real-time traffic information service.

TomTom Traffic is already available within the COMAND multimedia systems for Mercedes S, C and GLK-class cars. TomTom Traffic will be made available in CLS-class cars and the E-class sedan and estate in September 2013. E-Class coupé and cabriolet will follow later this year.

Renault also announced that its R-Link built-in connected multimedia tablet, featuring TomTom technologies is available in its new vehicles.

Renault R-Link, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, features real-time services including maps, navigation and traffic. In ZOE, and New Kangoo ZE, R-Link also displays electric vehicle management information, such as the available range and routes to nearby charge points. In addition, drivers can download apps to add to the functionality of the system.

TomTom is also going to supply the navigation app for the Ford SYNC in-dash multimedia system, the first time the two companies have linked up. More details on this partnership will be revealed at launch next year.