Nokia has won a deal to integrate its cloud-based HERE navigation and mapping platform into Toyota’s Touch & Go in-car digital navigation systems.
The move is a win for the troubled Finnish handset maker, which has steadily fallen behind in the smartphones race in recent years, particularly in Europe, and is still experiencing heavy losses.
This deal with the Japanese car manufacturer gives Nokia the opportunity to muscle in on Google’s monopoly of the navigation market.
The Nokia Location platform will sit alongside Google’s Local Search, Maps, and Points of Interest, which are currently shipped in Toyota cars, offering users an alternative.
In a statement, Nokia said its services provided “high-quality industry mapping information and community-generated content – including millions of ratings, reviews and images.”
Derek Williams, general manager, Telematics & Multimedia at Toyota Motor Europe, commented: “The ability to deliver comprehensive and driver-relevant content tailored to automotive requirements makes the Nokia Location Platform an interesting proposition.
“It is an excellent basis for creative location-centric concepts and we are delighted to bring this technology to our customers.”
Nokia’s maps have previously been used in Toyota cars, but this will be the first time that its whole platform of services will be available to drivers.
The two companies have also announced that Toyota will “collaborate with Nokia to study more services that leverage the Nokia Location Platform, including best-in-class content,” Nokia said.
Nokia’s Location and Commerce business is one of the few bright spots for the company, having seen positive growth in 2012.
Third party navigation systems are a growing market, which has seen the likes of Apple seeking to increase market share with SIRI.
Nokia Local Search for Automotive is expected to be commercially available in Toyota systems from early 2014 in Europe, Russia and the Middle East.