MUMBAI: Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD) in the US, which deals with automotive hard disk drives has introduced a 40GB 2.5-inch HDD for use in automotive applications including mapping and navigation, video and digital music.

This fifth-generation automotive HDD features increased storage capacity, as well as an expanded temperature specification range of -30o to 85o Celsius. Toshiba says that its family of automotive HDDs features extreme temperature and humidity capabilities and a range of capacities, enabling a variety of entertainment and navigation applications. The 40GB 2.5-inch HDD is currently sampling to automotive and telematics customers and will ship in automotive applications in Q3 2006.

Toshiba adds that it was the first company to recognize the developing market for HDD storage in telematics applications, and has worked with vehicle manufacturers for more than eight years to develop and design automotive-grade HDDs.

By the end of Jan. 2006, the company will have shipped three million units to automotive and head-unit manufacturers for OEM and aftermarket products. These fifth-generation automotive HDDs feature improved capacity to assist automobile manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers in designing robust digital devices for the car.

The company says that the automobile is the next frontier for this new generation of digital entertainment and information. For eight years, Toshiba has helped the automotive industry understand the power of storage for creating systems that transform the car into a media and information hub.

Toshiba’s line of automotive HDDs enables a variety of applications, such as GPS navigation, digital music and video, and other telematic applications and systems. According to research firm IDC, the number of HDDs consumed for automotive applications in the US will grow from 2.4 million in 2005 to 8.5 million in 2009 as automotive manufacturers, car dealers and aftermarket suppliers introduce new digital devices that enhance the driver and passenger experience.