On the day that it reported second-quarter results, Garmin also announced that it was pushing back the release of its Garmin nüvifone to the first half of 2009. Originally expected in the third quarter of 2008, Garmin attributed the delays to carrier-specific requirements that still need to be met. Exactly who these carriers are has not been disclosed and Garmin only expects to announce them in 2009.
Interestingly, DigiTimes is reporting that, according to its sources, the delays are in fact due to the lack of experience in touch panel development by its partner Asustek. The sources also indicate that delays are substantial enough that Garmin may seek new production partners for future models.
The nüvifone delays will cost Garmin about USD$100 million in lost revenues.