Nokia Chalks Up In-Car Maps Win Against Google, Signs Toyota Motor Europe To Use HERE Local Search

Nokia’s rebranded HERE mapping service has snagged another car-maker — signing Toyota Motor Europe to use Nokia Local Search for Automotive for its Touch & Go in-car navigation and infotainment systems. As well as digital maps, Nokia’s service will bring community-generated content to the in-car systems — including “millions” of ratings, reviews and images.

Toyota said the Nokia powered mapping technology is expected to be in Toyota systems that are on sale from early 2014 in Europe, Russia and the Middle East.

In September last year, prior to the HERE rebranding of its digital mapping service, Nokia signed location deals with BMW, Mercedes A-Class, Garmin, Hyundai, Pioneer and Volkswagen Group.

On a “global average basis”, Nokia said it now powers four out of five cars with “fully-integrated in-dash navigation systems”. “Location & Commerce continue to build partnerships with a number of major industry players, particularly in the area of automotive-grade maps content and solutions. We are providing content to partners including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dacia, ESRI, Ford, Garmin, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Nikon, Pioneer, Scania, Toyota and Volkswagen,” a company spokeswoman added.

Earlier this month, Google announced its own mapping win in the in-car space, signing Hyundai Motor Company — which owns the Hyundai and Kia car brands — to use Google Maps and Places in its telematics systems, specifically for Hyundai’s Blue Link and Kia’s second-generation UVO eServices.

Google mapping and location services have also been integrated into other car makes and models, including Audi which uses Google’s local search, satellite and Street View imagery; Daimler’s integration of Street View imagery and Google local search and Zagat ratings; and Tesla’s Google Maps integration with real-time traffic updates on the 17-inch screen in the Model S.

Nokia’s full release follows below.

HERE Platform from Nokia Powers Toyota Motor Europe’s Next Generation of Navigation and Infotainment Systems

ESPOO, FINLAND–(Marketwire – Jan 31, 2013) – Toyota is the Latest Major Automotive Brand to Leverage Best-in-Class Nokia Mapping Technology using its Local Search for Automotive

Nokia today announced that Toyota Motor Europe is the latest automotive brand to select the HERE platform’s Nokia Local Search for Automotive to power its next generation Touch & Go navigation and infotainment systems. Nokia Local Search for Automotive is a specifically designed solution developed to fulfill the requirements of the automotive industry.

By leveraging Nokia Local Search for Automotive, Toyota drivers will have fast and easy online access to the latest high-quality industry mapping information and community-generated content – including millions of ratings, reviews and images fed directly into their cars.

The introduction of this service demonstrates how Nokia’s HERE business is continuing to extend its industry-leading portfolio of products to meet the needs of its automotive customers.

“The ability to deliver comprehensive and driver-relevant content tailored to automotive requirements makes the Nokia Location Platform an interesting proposition,” said Derek Williams, General Manager, Telematics & Multimedia, Toyota Motor Europe. “It is an excellent basis for creative location-centric concepts and we are delighted to bring this technology to our customers. Nokia Local Search for Automotive is expected to be commercially available in Toyota systems from early 2014 in Europe, Russia and the Middle East.”

Moving forward, Toyota Motor Europe will collaborate with Nokia to study more services that leverage the Nokia Location Platform, including best-in-class content. Nokia is currently the leading company providing end-to-end mapping, navigation and location solutions for the automotive industry.

“Nokia and Toyota share the same vision of what the in-vehicle location experience should be – immersive, always on. Today’s announcement underlines Nokia’s commitment to providing fresh content and services to the auto industry so it can deliver innovative consumer solutions,” said Eric Fumat, Vice President Sales & Business Development EMEA, Nokia Location & Commerce.

About HERE and Nokia

HERE, a Nokia business unit, is offering the first location cloud that delivers people the world’s best maps and location experiences across more screens and operating systems unified under the HERE brand. To learn more about HERE, visit http://www.here.com

Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia’s technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visithttp://www.nokia.com/about-nokia

About Toyota Motor Europe

Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, parts and accessories, and Toyota’s European manufacturing and engineering operations. Toyota directly and indirectly employs around 94,000 people in Europe and has invested over EUR 7 billion since 1990. Toyota’s operations in Europe are supported by a network of 30 National Marketing and Sales Companies across 56 countries, a total of around 3,000 sales outlets, and nine manufacturing plants. In 2012, Toyota sold 838,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe. For more information, visit www.toyota.eu