CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Mar 25, 2014) -  Cobra Electronics Corporation (NASDAQ: COBR), the leading designer and marketer of award-winning Citizens Band (CB) radios, GPS navigation systems and wireless hands-free driving solutions for professional drivers, today announced the nationwide general availability of the Cobra 8500 Pro HD Navigation System. This newest offering in navigation system technology from Cobra will be on display throughout the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) beginning Thursday, March 27th through Saturday, March 29th at Cobra's booth #14152.

The introduction of the Cobra 8500 Pro HD sets a milestone in Cobra's offerings to its community of professional driver customers. As the company's most advanced navigation system to-date, the Cobra 8500 Pro HD features a complete redesign from previous models; delivering a powerful feature set with a fresh, new interface. The Cobra 8500 Pro helps professional drivers keep watch over the road with information-rich functionalities that inform drivers so they stay safe and don't miss a thing on the road. Key features in the Cobra 8500 Pro HD include:

  • Tier 1 maps that include lifetime updates; ensuring the most accurate, up-to-date maps
  • Live and predicted traffic to avoid time and money spent on traffic congestion
  • Real-time diesel fuel prices direct from Flying J, Love's, Petro, Pilot, Travel Centers of America and other major travel centers
  • Live weather forecast including severe weather alerts
  • Superior truck/last-mile routing with four times more trucking attributes coverage in secondary roads
  • Enhanced state mileage logs & hours of service timers that keep track of on duty, on duty driving/off duty time based on GPS location. Also assists with IFTA fuel tax reporting and hours of service logging
  • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compatible with the new Cobra RapidLog™ ELD 350 (coming soon)

The Cobra 8500 Pro HD provides additional features that keep drivers safe and updated on the road. Additional features include lane-assist technology, road closure updates and even truck-friendly points of interest powered by ProMiles® and TruckDown™; informing professional drivers to the location of truck stops, weigh stations, repair locations, parking, rest stops and much more. The unit comes in a thin and light-weight, seven-inch, touch screen display with easy-to-use menu options.

"As longtime allies to the professional driver community, we at Cobra set out to design a navigation system that can provide all of the important information that professional drivers look for when on the road," said Sally Washlow, president of Cobra Electronics. "The 8500 Pro HD is our most advanced navigation system ever and demonstrates our commitment to the safety and productivity of the professional driving community while giving drivers a reliable partner sitting shotgun to all destinations."

The Cobra 8500 Pro HD is available now at Love's, Petro Stopping Centers, Pilot Flying J, TravelCenters of America and other travel centers nationwide, as well as Amazon.com and Cobra.com for a retail price of $369.95.

About Cobra Electronics:
Cobra Electronics is a leading global designer and marketer of communication and navigation products, with a track record of delivering innovative and award-winning products. Building upon its leadership position in the GMRS/FRS two-way radio, radar detector and Citizens Band radio industries, Cobra identified new growth opportunities and has aggressively expanded into the marine market and has expanded its European operations. The Consumer Electronics Association, Forbes and Deloitte & Touche have all recognized Cobra for the company's innovation and industry leadership. To learn more about Cobra Electronics, please visit the Cobra site at www.cobra.com. Follow Cobra on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CobraElectronic and Like Us at www.facebook.com/CobraElectronics.