Garmin® Introduces the GHP™ 20 Marine Autopilot with SmartPump™

One-Size Pump Fits Most Hydraulically Steered Boats

Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced its new GHP 20 Autopilot with SmartPump – a marine autopilot solution for boats with hydraulic steering. Offering one pump size that handles most boat sizes and applications, the GHP 20 Autopilot with SmartPump is a tremendous advancement in hydraulic steering systems. The GHP 20 with SmartPump, is being announced in conjunction with the Southampton Boat Show, stand G026.

“Installing dealers will benefit greatly from the GHP 20 Autopilot with SmartPump, as it effectively puts an end to guessing which pump size will work for a particular boat,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “And end users will enjoy how “smart” the GHP 20 is – it can hold course for you in virtually all weather and wind conditions.”

Unique to the marine industry, this premium autopilot features one SmartPump that works for most boats, and brings hydraulic steering compatibility to the GHP 20 series of autopilots. The GHP 20 with SmartPump automatically adjusts the maximum flow rate for a particular boat. Because the GHP 20 with SmartPump uses a brushless motor, there is no direct electrical connection between the drive circuit and the rotor. This provides increased reliability, longer pump life, reduced power consumption, quiet operation, a smaller footprint, improved thermal performance and higher efficiency. For the ultimate in reliability, SmartPump is engineered from corrosion-resistant components including black dye on aluminum parts and nickel-plating on all steel parts.

Thanks to Intelligent Rudder Rate Technology (IRRT), the GHP 20 Autopilot with SmartPump slows the rudder rate when the vessel is at high speeds and speeds up rudder rate when the vessel is at lower speeds. This allows for optimal performance and safety in all conditions. Additionally, the brushless motor drive eliminates the risk of rudder “hard over” due to hardware or software failures.

In addition to holding its course in virtually all weather and wind conditions, the GHP 20 autopilot system can smoothly perform a variety of pre-programmed trolling and search procedures. Plus, with a compatible Garmin network chartplotter and BlueChart g2 Vision charts (sold separately), mariners gain optional features like Auto Guidance, which automatically steers GPS routes.

Like Garmin’s GHP 10 autopilot, the GHP 20 with SmartPump features Garmin’s patented Shadow Drive technology, which automatically disengages the autopilot if the helm is turned, giving boaters the freedom to maneuver the boat at any moment. The autopilot automatically re-engages when the captain holds a steady course.

The GHP 20 Autopilot with SmartPump is operated using up to three Garmin’s GHC™ 10 autopilot control units, which were designed to help boaters configure and control the autopilot. With an easy-to-read 3.5” color display, three soft keys, and a dedicated “standby” button, users will benefit from the simple, interactive interface, and will be able to control the heading of the boat with the press of a key. The GHC 10 communicates with the autopilot system via NMEA 2000, so autopilot heading data can be shared easily with other devices.

The GHP 20 with SmartPump is scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter of 2012. For more information on the GHP 20 with SmartPump visit garmin.co.uk/onthewater or take a look at this video:  

Garmin’s marine business segment is a leading provider of navigation and communication equipment to retail and OEM customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes the industry’s most sophisticated array of chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar, high-definition radar, autopilot offerings and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability and ease-of-use.

About Garmin International Inc.

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin is a registered trademark and GHP and GHC are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Notice on forward-looking statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. All statements regarding the company’s future product introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.