Online navigation platforms for software-defined vehicles

As vehicles transition toward software-defined architectures, navigation systems are expected to deliver continuously updated data and tighter integration with in-vehicle software. In this context, HERE Technologies announced an expansion of its online navigation partnership with Hyundai AutoEver, extending real-time, connected navigation services for production vehicles.

Online navigation as part of connected vehicle architecture
The expanded partnership, announced at CES 2026 (January 6 to 9) in Las Vegas, focused on supplying online navigation map data for infotainment platforms used by Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles sold in North America. HERE provides automotive-grade map data that Hyundai AutoEver integrates into its navigation stack, enabling frequent updates that reflect new roads, updated speed limits, and revised points of interest.

Faster update cycles for fresher map content
A measurable outcome of the collaboration is a reduction in map data update cycles by more than fivefold. By leveraging HERE’s location data pipeline, Hyundai AutoEver implemented a faster update framework that shortens the time required to distribute new and changed road attributes. This accelerated cadence improves route accuracy and ensures navigation guidance reflects current road conditions more closely.

Deployment across connected cockpit platforms
The expanded service supports more than one million vehicles equipped with Hyundai AutoEver’s ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) and ccIC27 (Connected Car Integrated Cockpit) infotainment platforms. Initial deployment covered North America and Australia, bringing real-time location services and improved map freshness to production vehicles across multiple segments.

Mapping infrastructure for software-defined journeys
HERE’s unified mapping architecture aggregates and processes data from thousands of sources, including more than 44 million connected vehicles, sensors, and community inputs. AI-driven map-making continuously updates the digital map, supporting not only turn-by-turn navigation but also advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving features that depend on precise, up-to-date location data. This mapping foundation also enables emerging digital cockpit functions such as contextual, AI-driven interactions and personalized route planning.

Streaming navigation and lane-level guidance
Hyundai AutoEver plans to evolve its online navigation into a streaming-based service using HERE APIs and SDKs. The targeted capabilities include lane-level guidance, live map rendering, and closer integration with ADAS functions. The architecture is also designed to support Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) features, which require continuous map updates and high positional accuracy to operate reliably in complex driving environments.

Implications for digital cockpit development
By combining faster update cycles with scalable, cloud-connected navigation services, the partnership illustrates how navigation is becoming a core software component within the digital cockpit. For automakers and system integrators, the approach demonstrates how location platforms can support software-defined vehicle strategies while meeting production requirements for reliability, lifecycle support, and regional scalability.

The expanded collaboration shows how automotive-grade mapping and online navigation are evolving from static functions into continuously updated services that underpin connected, software-defined vehicle experiences.

www.here.com