Sat-nav start-up turns to Yahoo!

A GPS start-up plans to include Yahoo!'s local-search data in its navigation device for cars.

Other GPS navigators also have built-in business directories but Dash Navigation will be the first to integrate Yahoo! Local Search into its device, which will go on sale in the US in the spring.

Owners of Dash Express navigators will be able to use the internet-connected devices to search for local events, businesses, services and products via Yahoo! Local Search, as well as reviews and ratings from other Yahoo! users. Dash Navigation, a venture-backed company based in California, announced the deal on Wednesday.

Deals with major web players are nothing new in the market for high-tech car systems.

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ford Motor will collaborate with Microsoft on a product called Sync. Sync will reportedly include a hands-free Bluetooth wireless system and an in-vehicle operating system that will eventually be an option for the entire Ford brand line-up. It will offer mobile-phone communication and enable other wireless information transfers in the car, including email and music downloads.

Caroline McCarthy writes for CNET News.com