TomTom to provide maps to Huawei, as Google Maps alternative
Dutch navigation and digital mapping company TomTom on Friday said it has closed a deal with China’s Huawei Technologies for the use of its maps and services in smartphone apps, Reuters reported.
Huawei was forced to develop its own operating system for smartphones, after it was effectively blacklisted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration last year out of concerns over national security.
This banned Huawei from using Google’s official Android operating system, along with widely used apps such as Google Maps, in new phones.
The deal with TomTom means Huawei can now use the Dutch company’s maps, traffic information and navigation software to develop apps for its smartphones.
TomTom spokesman Remco Meerstra said the deal had been closed some time ago but had not been made public by the company.
Meerstra declined to provide further details of the agreement.
TomTom, which is moving away from selling devices to offering software services, sold its telematics division to Japan’s Bridgestone last year to focus on its digital map-linked businesses.
Last week TomTom announced that it has been chosen by Subaru to be the maps and navigation supplier for its all-new 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy models.
TomTom is supplying Subaru’s all-new infotainment platform with TomTom Maps, as well as navigation software and a new navigation user interface, allowing drivers to plan their journeys with ease, and enjoy a comfortable and safer drive. DENSO, the leading supplier of advanced automotive technology, is the Tier 1 system provider.
Also Alfa Romeo GIULIA and STELVIO drivers will enjoy turn-by-turn navigation, automatic zooming and advanced lane guidance – all enhancing the user experience. In addition, TomTom will provide advanced driver assistance attributes as part of the map content to support GIULIA and STELVIO applications.
