Garmin yesterday announced the GVN 54, a new version of its OEM-configurable “black-box” GPS navigation system that can be customized to include built-in GPRS/EDGE connectivity and connected services.

Through this product Garmin offers OEMs a large range of services such as local search, white page listings, real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, flight schedules, etc. These services have been recently launched with the Nuvi 1690, both in Europe and in the United States.

The GVN 54 was announced in conjunction with the SEMA Show, a trade event for automotive specialty products, which opens on November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Based on this hardware solution, Garmin can work with OEMs to design a custom system that features traditional FM-RDS traffic service or a combination of location based services. Garmin can also collaborate with OEMs to include custom content such as points of interest databases, splash screens, vehicle icons, and special branding.

The GVN 54 uses NAVTEQ map data for the United States and Europe and will support locally sourced Garmin maps where available.