TRAFFIC information provider Trafficmaster this week launched the first phase of plans to expand its services throughout Europe as it announced a £3 million jump in annual pre-tax profits. A joint marketing agreement has been made with the firm's German licensee Mannesmann Autocom to provide common broadcast standards for its equipment.

The common standards will form the basis for further expansion of its services to France, Italy and the Netherlands as Trafficmaster consolidates on growing demand for navigation systems throughout Europe.

Trafficmaster's results for the year to December 31, 1998, show the fruits of sustained efforts to encourage manufacturers to fit the systems as standard to their models, with turnover up £3.6 million to £12.2 million. Pre-tax profits rose from £241,000 to £3.2 million over the same period.

Launches included the RAC Traffic Alert 1210 system followed by a specially branded Norwich Union version. Trafficmaster Oracle is now fitted as standard to the Citroen Xantia range adding to an agreement already made with Vauxhall.