autoevolution
 

No Need for Google Maps and Waze as Top Alternative Launches in More Cars

Google Maps and Waze are often preferred over the built-in navigation software in today’s cars, but in the last few years, carmakers have been trying to improve their offerings as well.
TomTom will power the navigation experience in Hyundai cars sold in Europe 6 photos
Photo: TomTom
TomTom GO ExpertTomTom GO ExpertTomTom GO ExpertTomTom GO ExpertTomTom GO Expert
And in order to do this more efficiently, most auto manufacturers formed partnerships with navigation experts like HERE, TomTom, and Sygic, all with the purpose of getting their mapping data and navigation solutions as pre-loaded products in their cars.

The latest to do the same thing is Hyundai, as the company has worked together with TomTom to provide drivers with map data and real-time traffic information in all cars sold by the group in Europe. This includes not only Hyundai models but also Kia cars – Genesis models sold on the continent were already fitted with TomTom data since the summer of last year.

TomTom is currently the provider of one of the most advanced navigation solutions worldwide, as its software can not only replace Google Maps but also Waze. In other words, its products can offer not only step-by-step navigation but also information on speed limits, traffic data, lanes, and everything else you’d expect from a new-gen piece of software.

The real-time traffic information obviously comes in handy as well, as it helps optimize the routes and also provide drivers with more accurate ETAs.

Of course, while TomTom’s data is going live in all cars sold by Hyundai in Europe, this doesn’t necessarily mean that drivers would have to stick with the pre-loaded software when getting behind the wheel.

Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, and all the other mobile navigation apps continue to be available, not only on the smartphone itself but also via Android Auto and CarPlay. Hyundai is already offering Android Auto and CarPlay in most of its cars, so it’ll be interesting to see how many drivers stick with the pre-loaded navigation software or switch to the mobile navigation solutions offered by the likes of Google.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories