In order to help companies coping with the impact of COVID-19 and to prepare for the future or the ‘new normal’ as it gets referred to, RoadSafetyUAE reached out to a range of Top Executives in our eco-system for their views.
We sincerely want to thank the participating companies and their Top Executives for sharing their valuable views!
Ralf-Peter Schäfer
VP Traffic and Travel Information Product Unit
Q: In what ways has your business been impacted by COVID-19?
A: As for most companies, the COVID-19 pandemic, presents an unprecedented challenge. It impacts us in various ways as our business is diversified across Automotive, Consumer and Enterprise where we provide Map and Traffic data as well as navigation services. It has also been very interesting to see a growing interest in our traffic data to provide crucial insights into how cities are reacting to these new measures and it can help authorities and organizations make informed mobility decisions.
Q: Where do you see your business in 12 months’ time?
A: We have full confidence that the structural growth drivers such as connected navigation, road safety, electric vehicles, automated driving and Maps APIs, underpinning TomTom’s long-term strategy remain unchanged. We may of course see changes in the traffic demand patters around the world though it is very difficult to assess how this will play out in the future.
Q: What are the major changes (internal & external) you foresee for the ‘new normal’ post COVID-19?
A: Given the nature of our business, nearly all our employees can perform their work from home. With the health and safety of our employees and partners as our highest priority, we acted swiftly and decisively to enable remote working. Meanwhile we also increased the online interactions with partners and customers which may lead to more innovation in the long run, as communication barriers are reduced.
Q: In which ways will you adjust your business?
A: Because of our strong debt-free balance sheet, we have the resilience to maintain our course, despite the current uncertainties. Rest assured, we will remain committed to creating a safer, cleaner and congestion-free world.
Q: Anything you want to add?
A: On June 4th we will run a webinar to share instant traffic insights on how the COVID-19 has impacted Traffic in the Middle East. We will show how TomTom Live Traffic can be used to gain relevant information in real time, looking at current travel demands and congestion or diving into the analysis of historical travel behavior. Our CSR partner RoadSafetyUAE will be announcing the details shortly.
About TomTom
TomTom is the leading independent location technology specialist, shaping mobility with highly accurate maps, navigation software, real-time traffic information and services.
To achieve our vision of a safer world, free of congestion and emissions, we create innovative technologies that keep the world moving. By combining our extensive experience with leading business and technology partners, we power connected vehicles, smart mobility and, ultimately, autonomous driving.
Headquartered in Amsterdam with offices in 30 countries, TomTom’s technologies are trusted by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
