The Chimani app will come pre-installed on all new Subaru models with the Starlink multimedia system (photo/Chimani)

Chimani, a Yarmouth-based company that develops mobile app-based travel guides for U.S. national parks, has announced a partnership with Subaru that will see its app automatically uploaded to more than 1 million vehicles later this year.

Chimani’s National Parks app provides users with information about all 418 U.S. national parks and works in conjunction with the customer’s smartphone and operates from the vehicle’s touchscreen multimedia system.

“We are eager to help Subaru customers discover the many national parks that surround them – not just the large iconic parks, but the numerous smaller parks which are rich in history and culture,” Kerry Gallivan, Chimani’s founder and CEO, said in a statement. “We are equally excited to partner with Subaru and have this be the first Chimani app natively available within the vehicles’ multimedia system.”

The app will be automatically added to all Subaru vehicles with cloud-based capability this summer, and be pre-installed on all new models. Chimani estimates the app will be uploaded to more than 1 million vehicles this summer.

“We continue to work with only the best and most recognized partners and we believe the Chimani app will quickly become a favorite, and a keystone in our Starlink app ecosystem,” said Anthony Landamia, Infotainment Manager at Subaru of America.

Chimani operates with a freemium model. Its National Parks app is free to use. However, users can subscribe to gain access to a more robust version that includes unlimited access to 64 detailed national park guides, along with GPS-enabled maps that work without cell or wifi service. The subscription also comes with $2,500 in national park-related discounts.

The company has 2,100 active paid users, which represents 2,000% growth in users since it launched the new subscription model in the fall of 2018, according to the company. An annual subscription costs $29 or a one-time lifetime purchase of $99.

Timed with the news, Chimani has also launched an equity crowdfunding campaign via the Republic.co platform. The company is looking to raise at least $25,000 from non-accredited investors who can invest as little as $50. As of April 20, it had raised $2,350 from 19 investors. The campaign will run through August 18, 2019.