Commenting on the prospects for the Italian market, Marco Federzoni, who is heading up the new operation there as country manager, said: 'Vehicle tracking for fleet management is relatively new to Italy and the country accounts for around 12% of Europe's commercial vehicle fleets.

'As a result, there is a real opportunity here for take-up of Navman Wireless technology. Italian companies that have seen how vehicle tracking works, how it can boost their productivity and slash their operating costs, have been quick to appreciate the huge returns on investment they can enjoy.'

Further afield, the Taiwanese and Mexican markets for vehicle tracking are said to be similarly embryonic.

'Companies worldwide have been hit hard by the affects of the global economic downturn and so investments continue to be made in technologies that can help them to streamline their operations and boost their bottom line,' said Chris Bradley, vice president for the rest of the world, Navman Wireless.

'The market potential in Mexico is particularly exciting, with three million commercial vehicles and a burgeoning need for security-based products. We are in a position to leverage our global presence and provide a high end service, from our office in Monterrey, at a cost-effective price.'

He added: 'By launching in Taiwan meanwhile, we are gaining a foothold in the Far East and the establishment of a successful product from the high tech environment of Taipei further enhances our credibility.'

In addition, Navman Wireless, which tracks more than 110,000 vehicles worldwide, says it is continuing to invest heavily in innovation including work at its dedicated R&D centres in Silicon Valley and Auckland, New Zealand.