REDMOND, Wash., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Road trips are an American tradition, but with today's rising fuel costs a wrong turn can be costly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's seasonal forecast,(1) many Americans can expect to pay about 34 cents more for a gallon of gasoline this summer than last summer. Despite the forecast for higher prices, not many people are likely to stay home. In fact, after zero growth in 2005, it is predicted that drivers will use 1.4 percent more gasoline in 2006.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

By using a trip-planning tool such as Microsoft(R) Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator along with a few simple driving techniques to save gas, summer travelers can hit the road with confidence knowing that they will get the most out of a full tank of gas, without getting lost. At an estimated retail price of $129 (U.S.), the product is also an affordable alternative to the in-car navigation systems and handheld GPS units on the market today.

Rising gas prices affect everyone, especially those who drive for a living. According to legendary NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, planning ahead is the key to a successful road trip that does not break the bank.

"As people hit the road this spring and summer, Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator is the perfect way to find the most efficient route possible," Wallace said. "I'm going to be on the road a lot this summer, and I always use this program to plan out my trip in advance, so I get to my destination without spending extra money on gas."

"With gas prices on the rise, every road trip is hitting the pocketbook hard, especially when we're thinking about upcoming summer road trips," said Helen Chiang, product manager for Microsoft Streets & Trips. "Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator includes several tools to help plan an economical road trip, such as a fuel consumption manager and trip planning features that help you find the most direct route."

Make the Most of Gas Money

There are a number of driving techniques that travelers can employ to save on their next road trip, including driving at the speed limit, avoiding excess weight in the car, turning off the engine instead of letting it idle and using the cruise control to maintain a steady speed.(2) They can also turn to technology such as Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator, the latest version of the best-selling(3) travel and map software for the United States and Canada, to help keep travel costs down.

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator helps drivers do the following:

-- Keep gas costs down and calculate expected fuel expenses before leaving home with the fuel consumption management feature -- Not get lost by determining the most direct and efficient route to the destination with customizable maps and directions -- Keep the wandering to a minimum by planning pit stops in advance with more than 1.8 million points of interest including restaurants, ATMs and gas stations -- Easily recalculate a route or get back on track after a wrong turn with Reroute from Here technology -- Avoid traffic delays with free road construction updates, including information on local, state and national construction and road closures -- Take advantage of the power and versatility of real-time Voice-Prompted Directions to serve as a navigator Availability

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator is available for an estimated retail price of $129 (U.S.). Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 (standard) is also available for an estimated retail price of $39.95 (U.S.) before a $10 (U.S.) mail-in rebate to qualified customers.(4)

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

(1) Source: U.S. Department of Energy's Short-Term Energy and Summer Fuels Outlook

(2) Source: U.S. Department of Energy's 2006 Fuel Economy Guide

(3) Source: The NPD Group/NPD Techworld(R), March 1999-July 2006. Based on total U.S. retail sales.

(4) Actual retail prices may vary.

NOTE: Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Dawn Myrah of Edelman, +1-503-471-6817, or
dawn.myrah@edelman.com, for Microsoft

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/