THE company behind the Orchid mobile telephony-based vehicle tracking, location and navigation system says that the product has met Thatcham testing standards which should result in lower insurance premiums for vehicles fitted with the system.

The Global Telematics system, launched late last year, has become the first vehicle navigation and tracking system to be positively evaluated under Thatcham's new Q Class category for vehicle accessories.

Global Telematics managing director Edward Belgeonne said: 'We believe that following this evaluation, the British insurance industry will be persuaded that any vehicle fitted with the Orchid tracking and location system is a lower insurance risk and therefore should be reflected in substantial insurance premiums discounts.'