HERE Technologies and Amap have announced a strategic alliance to co-develop AI-driven navigation and digital cockpit solutions targeted at Chinese automotive brands expanding overseas.
The collaboration merges HERE's global mapping systems and automotive solutions with Amap's navigation expertise and position in China's mobility environment. Both companies aim to support original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with scalable, compliant, and high-performing navigation platforms for the international automotive market.
Partnership objectives
Amap is a key provider for automotive navigation in China, while HERE's services are present in more than 222 million vehicles and span over 200 countries and territories. By combining these resources, the partnership is set to accelerate the introduction of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) backed by advanced AI mapmaking and experience from both firms in their respective domains.
The two companies will focus on integrating ADAS, AI-powered navigation, and digital cockpit innovations, striving to set industry standards for connected mobility and intelligent navigation systems as Chinese automakers increase their international footprint.
Unified mapping for SDVs
Central to the alliance is the development of a single mapping architecture to serve all in-vehicle digital functions. HERE's unified mapping architecture will act as a data backbone for SDVs, incorporating automotive-grade mapping powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. This platform is designed to enable digital cockpit experiences, electric vehicle (EV) services, driver assistance systems, automated features, and over-the-air updates, ensuring compatibility with regulatory frameworks worldwide.
Industry foundations
HERE Technologies has established a longstanding presence in China's automotive sector. Over 30 major Chinese automotive brands currently use HERE's solutions to deliver navigation, ADAS, and connected vehicle services. According to the company, these OEMs represent most of China's vehicle exports, reflecting both HERE's influence and the potential impact the new partnership with Amap may have on the global automotive landscape.
Since HERE's entry into the Chinese market in 2002, it has focused on working with local system vendors to support high-performance navigation and digital cockpits across various vehicle platforms. The new partnership continues this approach by leveraging the foundations established over more than two decades.
Long-term outlook
Both companies intend to explore further collaboration in navigation and location-based services, with the aim of supporting the ongoing evolution of intelligent mobility both in China and globally.
"Our partnership is built on mutual trust and a long-standing relationship," said Frank Jiang, VP of Amap. "Amap chose HERE for its proven innovation, global reach, and strong support from local automakers. Together, we are building a navigation system that meets the demands of Chinese automakers going global."
"This is a case of world-class meeting world-class," said Deon Newman, SVP and GM of Asia Pacific at HERE Technologies. "Amap is a powerhouse in China's navigation ecosystem, and HERE brings together cutting-edge mapping and location technology with global precision, scale and automotive-grade reliability. Together, we're enabling the next generation of automakers to succeed on the world stage."
HERE and Amap will continue to build on their existing relationships with local and international automotive manufacturers as they seek to improve and expand the capabilities of navigation, ADAS, and digital cockpit experiences for vehicles destined for global markets.
