HERE and KOTEI partner to build AI‑native navigation for the software‑defined vehicle era

HERE Technologies and KOTEI have announced a strategic partnership to develop AI-native navigation and in-vehicle software solutions for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The collaboration was announced at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, with both companies positioning themselves to serve automotive manufacturers transitioning to software-defined architectures. HERE brings its mapping and location data expertise, while KOTEI contributes its AI and automotive software capabilities to create what they describe as smarter, more connected mobility solutions. The partnership targets the emerging SDV market, where vehicles increasingly rely on software platforms rather than traditional hardware-centric designs. Software-defined vehicles represent a shift in automotive architecture where core vehicle functions are managed through software systems that can be updated and enhanced over time, similar to smartphones or other connected devices.