In a move that could help Daimler Trucks North America with future self-driving rig innovations, Daimler AG joined other German automakers in buying Nokia’s mapping service. Here is a developer of mapping services, competing in the same space as Google Maps and Apple Maps.
With expert mapping being crucial to any self-driving vehicle, the acquisition is a prize for Daimler, BMW and Audi. It currently provides makers of navigation devices and cars with mapping data, as well as websites and apps.
The move also continues a trend of vehicles becoming high-tech interfaces. The transaction is expected to close in first quarter 2016, after government regulation and approval. For more on the acquisition, please read here.