MapQuest Launches Canadian Site
Offers Precise Mapping Tools and Customized Local Experience
DENVER (May 9, 2011) – MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL) today announces the launch of MapQuest.ca to provide accurate mapping tools and directions for Canadian addresses.
"MapQuest has been providing solutions to Canadian users to meet their trip-planning needs for years," said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager, MapQuest. "The launch of MapQuest.ca speaks to the growing needs of Canadian consumers for MapQuest tools, including search results and Canadian-specific directions providing a localized experience."
The launch of the dedicated Canada site underscores AOL's continued commitment to the Canadian marketplace, coming on the heels of AOL Canada's recent announcement of the IAB Portrait (formerly known as Project Devil), the new ad format that could transform online marketing; and the announcement of a Canadian version of The Huffington Post, the leading online news and opinion site.
MapQuest.ca is a key part of MapQuest's strategy of inspiring consumers to explore and discover while on their travel journeys. MapQuest also offers tailored opportunities for advertisers looking to engage users.
Key Facts:
According to comScore*, Canadians are one of the most engaged online audiences, ranking highest among the top markets in both average hours and visits per visitor. MapQuest's new, dedicated site provides a better experience to users through customized features including precise search, advertising messages geared toward individual inquiries and needs, and directions defaulting to kilometers.
Additional information on Canadian users:
· Directories/Resources (where mapping is) grew 18% Y/Y and is a top category
· Canadian males spent the greatest amount of time on Directories sites, averaging more than 94 minutes per month in Q4 2010.
· Women spent double the amount of time on Photos and Directories sites when compared to Q4 2009
"Though Canadians have been using MapQuest for 15 years, the new site provides new inventory for advertisers looking to reach travelers in all stages of trip-planning and discovery," said Graham Moysey, general manager, AOL Canada. "We're thrilled to bring these enhanced, new opportunities to our current and prospective advertising customers."
MapQuest.com also operates with 14 language localization options and 27 country-specific open-source mapping sites that harness crowd-sourced map data.
*comScore2010 Canada Year in Review, March 2011
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About MapQuest
MapQuest provides Internet, mobile, and business solutions delivering on the promise of helping people research and discover: where is it, how I get there and what's nearby. MapQuest is one of the leading mapping brands online, offering maps and directions, and reaching more than 42.7 million users in March 2011, according to comScore Media Metrix. MapQuest's mobile solutions are compatible with a variety of mobile devices, including iPhone and BlackBerry devices. MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc., is based in Denver, Colo.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Asbury, 303-298-5331
