Expanding its footprint in China’s automotive sector, HERE Technologies said it is partnering with ECARX to launch an in-car navigation system this week at Auto Shanghai 2025.
HERE’s AI-driven location services and ECARX’s integrated hardware-software ecosystem are integrated in the new navigation system. The company is marketing the nav system to such automakers as Lotus, Lynk & Co, Smart, and Hongqi for connected vehicle deployment.
The partnership combines HERE’s SDK platform with ECARX’s full-stack automotive technology. In addition, Mike Nefkens, CEO of HERE, said that the partnership is focuses on increasing the speed to allow automakers bring in-car navigation systems to market. At the same time, ECARX Co-founder and CEO Ziyu Shen said the deal, with HERE’s SDK, simplifies regulatory compliance.
Mapping competitor TomTom [TOM2] announced a partnership at the show to provide advanced navigation capabilities for smart’s in-vehicle infotainment systems. TomTom will provide the smart #1, smart #3, and smart #5 electric car models with maps and a suite of intuitive navigation features. These include real-time updates and alerts on traffic conditions, local hazards and potential dangers, the company said.
The smart models feature TomTom’s EV services and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) maps, including speed limit information. The announcement comes as TomTom continues expanding its footprint in the embedded navigation market.
In other Auto Shanghai 2025 news:
- Volkswagen Group rolled out five connected vehicles and a new AI-based ADAS system. The ADAS system, developed by CARIAD‘s joint venture CARIZON, will be available in Volkswagen’s compact brands in China, the company said.
- Chinese carmaker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) said it would take responsibility for the safety of Level 4 autonomous driving vehicles, Chinese media outlet Jiemian reported. Level 4 models co-manufactured by GAC’s new energy vehicle subsidiary Aion and ride-hailing giant Didi Global will be demonstrated in some areas of Guangzhou and Beijing next year.
