Amazon, Microsoft to invest in self-driving car mapping unit HERE

Amazon and Microsoft, according to Reuters are in talks to provide cloud computing capabilities to HERE, the mapping business formerly owned by Nokia and recently acquired by a consortium of German automakers developing self-driving cars.

According to The Verge, Amazon is interested in becoming a shareholder in HERE which would ensure the e-commerce giant becomes the primary provider of cloud computing to the company.

Last year, carmakers BMW, Audi and Mercedes struck a 2.5 billion euro ($2.85 billion) deal to buy Nokia’s HERE maps business.

It is not only Amazon and Microsoft that is eyeing HERE, Renault has also expressed interest, according to Reuters. 

According to Firstpost, Ford is also among the companies that are interested in taking a stake in the HERE consortium. 

Self-driving and connected car services could become a $50 billion market, analysts at Exane BNP Paribas have estimated.