Since some people don't read the Sticky, I'll post this out:

Mazda has given Navteq permission to sell the maps. However, the maps that Navteq has are the ones that were made in October of last year and so they are based on 2003 data. Navteq said the newest maps, based on 2004 data, will be out at the end of July and they are asking people to wait for those as they don't like to sell out of date discs.

Certain VIN number ranges will need a Free Firmware update in order to run the new maps. Mazda will be giving those out. The Mazda rep is going to call me back when he gets the info on the VIN ranges. The Navteq reps I spoke with are very relieved this is finally getting closure. They all think Mazda is stupidly retarded and they wonder how they havent gotten bad press about this yet and how they still have customers...HA!

Supposed Price for the Update: $199 ..but this isnt official yet according to the Navteq Rep. In a few days, I am sure a Moderator will merge this thread with the sticky..

 

Mazda called me back. He says the Firmware updates will be packaged with the newest Maps that are due out the end of July.

 

Navteq sells the mapping Data to Mazda which they give to the NAV Manufacturer (Panasonic) to create the map discs, then Navteq sells the discs. Firmware compatibility is a hardware issue which Panasonic probably tells Mazda who in turn tells us. Navteq just takes the finished product and sells it. This is the business process I have gathered over the past months of dealing with this...someone correct me if they think I am wrong.