MILE Traffic and Travel GmbH (MILE) is a new pan-European real-time traffic provider created by ITIS (UK), Mediamobile (part of the TDF Group, France) and Infoblu (part of Atlantia/Autostrade Group, Italy). This joint venture was announced today and at the same time the company said it has been awarded a new multiyear contract from BMW AG to provide “Next generation Real Time Traffic Information” throughout Europe.

MILE was formed to combine expertise, technology and local knowledge in the respective markets and will make the new pan-European traffic service available under the Precision Traffic brand which is already operating in the UK. “All three companies have worked with BMW since 2002 and in that time have built up a deep understanding of BMW’s requirements”, said a press release.

MILE Head Office will be in Munich. Jonathan Burr has been appointed as Chief Executive of MILE and will take on the day to day responsibility for operations whilst retaining his position as Chief Operating Officer at ITIS.

New traffic information solution for Germany
Based on the technology offered by the three players, MILE is also building a new traffic information solution for Germany and will be implementing a programme of continuous improvement in existing markets using common technology platforms and best practice.

MILE is a de facto answer to the launches of NAVTEQ Traffic and INRIX in Europe in the recent months. There was a clear logic in an alliance of local players to bring together a best of breed, pan European, real-time traffic service. In a matter of months the market has seen the emergence of four pan-European providers: MILE, NAVTEQ, TomTom/Tele Atlas and INRIX. We can expect a strong competition between these players and the future alignment of the remaining local providers (ViaMichelin, TrafficMaster, etc.) with one of these companies through acquisitions, mergers, or strategic partnerships.