Nokia claims “HERE is everywhere” and perhaps it is right in claiming so, being the only Mapping company with a presence across smartphones, cars, smart watches, smart glasses, enterprise apps and even in supporting other Maps. So, if you already use the HERE apps on your smartphones, you may have already tasted the updates that Nokia pushes to HERE Maps for keeping them fresh, latest being the big “Transit route updates”. So, why should your cars be left behind, if they also use HERE Maps??
Nokia has introduced a program called HERE MapCare that allows cars to get latest maps whenever they go back for servicing.
MapCare program manager Laurent Vernerey tells us, “People get regular map updates for their smartphones, and for personal navigation devices from the likes of Garmin. So there’s an expectation that the same should be true of their car’s maps.”
In fact, a survey conducted by HERE* found that 74 per cent of respondents expected map updates to be a free part of what they receive with a new vehicle.
That’s why HERE MapCare was created. First launched with Volvo in Europe in 2009, if your car’s manufacturer is part of the program, it’s normally a part of the free service package you receive when you buy a car and lasts for around three years or more. The exact terms vary by manufacturer.
MapCare is already present on cars of 23 car manufacturers with some best-selling cars included.
Currently 23 automotive makers offer MapCare with their more technologically advanced vehicles in Europe. These are BMW, Nissan, Mercedes, Kia, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Harley Davidson, Tesla, Toyota, Fuso, Hino, Dacia, Isuzu and UD Trucks.
Many of Europe’s best-selling and best-known vehicles are included, such as the Volkswagen Golf 7, the Toyota Prius and the Volvo XC90.
Though the cars covered under MapCare will receive updates as part of the regular car services, one can download and update the maps manually too.
