Navtrak has cut the price of its telematics system and added services in a bid to attract more orders from dealer groups.

Its system is based on GPS (global positioning by satellite) and GSM mobile phone network technology. Navtrak, launched 18 months ago as a vehicle tracking device, offers two other basic services.

A 'breakdown companion' service contacts a recovery service and 'back on track' guides lost drivers.

A Navtrak spokesman said more than 200 dealerships sold the system including outlets within Sytner, Lancaster, HR Owen, Hartwell and Inchcape Motors Retail.

The Navtrak box did cost £359 plus around £60 for installation. There is a monthly service fee of £9.99 with dealers earning commission on sales.

However, now the box is free and installation costs £199. The monthly subscription remains the same.

Navtrak chairman Stuart Marks said: “The problem we have found was that most buyers considered it a grudge purchase, bought only to reduce insurance premiums”.

Two new services have been introduced. 'Traffic watch' enables drivers to get regular traffic news and information on their journey either via the internet or by contacting the call centre before setting off. Subscribers pay a £9.99 monthly service fee, but dealers are paid for each box they supply and fit.

A journey driver feature was also added so that drivers can calculate how many miles they have travelled to make expense reporting simpler. Navtrak also feeds the mileage report information to dealers. With this information dealers can be more precise in knowing when to remind customers to visit the dealership.