AOL Canada has launched the Canadian version of its popular free online service MapQuest.
“Canada has always been a very strong market for MapQuest.com, [which is] the number two mapping site [behind Google Maps], so it was a no-brainer to launch something that was more specific and relevant and enhanced for Canadian users who have been loyal MapQuest.com users for many years,” said Dana Toering, acting director of sales for AOL Canada.
According to comScore data, 2.3 million Canadians visited MapQuest.com in March. Toering said he anticipates a large majority of these users will migrate to the new Canadian version of the site. A mobile version is also available.
Toering said the site functions as a “trip concierge.” For instance, when planning a road trip to Quebec, the site allows travelers to pinpoint gas stations and restaurants along the way.
The site and its mobile component offer a variety of advertising options from sponsorship opportunities on printer-friendly pages to rich media ads and geo-targeting down to the postal code level, said Toering.
The introduction of MapQuest.ca is one in a string of changes the company has made in recent months. AOL Canada is working to change its brand perception among both consumers and advertisers and has made a considerable investment in product development, marketing, sales and editorial content.
AOL Canada has added nearly 20 members to its team since general manager Graham Moysey joined the company in August 2010.
And in December, AOL Canada launched its first consumer-focused advertising campaign in nearly two years.
