Intel to acquire 15% Stake in HERE, previously known as “HERE Maps”

Intel, BMW, and Mobileye to have Autonomous Test Vehicles on roads by 2nd half of 2017

While Intel is present at CES 2017 to showcase its technologies, the largest chip maker has announced in a press release that it will take 15 percent stake in HERE – a well known digital mapping platform.

Intel will acquire the stake in HERE digital maps and location-based services for automotive and the Internet of Things (IoT). On the other hand once the transaction closes, a member from Intel will be added to to the Supervisory Board of Directors of HERE. The transaction, however, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.

The two companies “have plans to develop a highly scalable proof-of-concept architecture that supports real-time updates of high-definition (HD) maps for highly and fully automated driving as well as explore opportunities in IoT and machine learning.”

This is the second deal after HERE Maps were sold to the German automotive consortium. The first deal has just gone through last month when HERE got three investors – 2 from China, Navinfo and Tencent, the other one is Singapore’s wealth fund GIC, which agreed to buy 10% stake in HERE.

HERE, previously known as HERE Maps, is currently owned by the consortium of German automotive Audi, BMW and Daimler after Nokia sold it back in August, 2015. HERE has a list of ownership transfers and a list of re-branding, starting from NAVTEQ, Nokia Maps, Ovi Maps, then again Nokia Maps and then HERE Maps.

Intel partnership with BMW Group and Mobileye

With all this, Intel has also partnered with BMW group and Mobileye to bring autonomous self-driving cars on the roads by the end of this year. Three companies “announce a fleet of approximately 40 autonomous test vehicles that will be on the roads by the second half of 2017.”

BMW engineer, tests autonomous driving technology in a BMW autonomous test car /Intel

The companies disclosed that the BMW 7 Series will leverage the Intel and Mobileye technologies while having trials in the U.S. and Europe.