HERE Technologies, the Netherlands-based location data and technology platform, has on Wednesday announced its partnership with a Japanese automotive joint venture firm Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) aimed at reshaping the future of mobility with the SHM electric vehicle (EV) brand, “AFEELA”.
Through this partnership, SHM plans to leverage HERE Navigation SDK for AFEELA’s digital cockpit and HERE SDK Explore for their mobile application, powered by HERE’s unified mapping architecture, HERE Technologies said in a statement.
The product of a joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Co., Ltd., AFEELA aims to challenge the typical EV, blending Sony’s expertise in digital technology with Honda’s automotive innovation.
The unified mapping architecture from HERE enables SHM to power multiple in-car systems and location-based applications in AFEELA’s software-defined vehicle, such as state of the art visualization, EV range management, augmented reality features, and more.
The AFEELA helps deliver a seamless and intuitive journey for drivers and passengers, such as: in-vehicle infotainment system (HERE Navigation SDK that delivers a robust guidance and navigation experience with rich EV features and safety information delivered across the vehicle’s digital displays) and mobile application (the HERE SDK [explore edition] that is integrated into the AFEELA mobile application delivers real-time map updates and seamlessly connects AFEELA experiences to the digital lives of drivers and passengers.
By leveraging HERE’s unified mapping architecture, AFEELA plans to deliver a truly intuitive and personalized mobility experience that goes beyond standard navigation.
HERE Professional Services brings together scalable products from HERE to support AFEELA’s intelligent architecture, which aims to transform mobility into an extension of the driver’s digital life.
“Navigation is an important component of AFEELA, and with HERE Navigation SDK, we are expanding beyond simple navigation to create an intuitive and personalized mobility experience,
“We look forward to bringing a new dimension to connected mobility through our partnership with HERE,” said Izumi Kawanishi, Representative Director, President and Chief Operating Officer, Sony Honda Mobility.
Mike Nefkens, Chief Executive Officer at HERE Technologies, said this collaboration embodies a shared vision: to push the boundaries of mobility and redefine what the future holds for the software-defined vehicle.
“HERE is building a live platform that enables AFEELA to stay connected and shape its own uniquely connected digital cockpit experience,
“We believe that a connected guidance experience will be the foundation of all vehicles, moving us toward smarter and safer journeys in the future,” he added.
SHM is a Japanese joint venture mobility tech company established by Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in 2022.
By combining Sony’s technological prowess and Honda’s automotive expertise, SHM aims to lead innovation in the industry through joint development and sales of high-value-added mobility and providing services for mobility.
HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for almost 40 years.
The firm’s location platform powers location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe.
From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, the firm allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy.