HERE Technologies have announced plans to acquire a Germany-based software company, ATS Advanced Telematic Systems. The company specialises in developing highly secure over-the-air (OTA) software updating technology for the automotive industry.
OTA technology allows automakers and the broader industry to deliver software, firmware and data to vehicles in a manner that is both secure and scalable, as well as cost effective. Therefore, such technology is key to unlocking the full potential of connected and autonomous vehicles.
By acquiring ATS, HERE technologies aim to strengthen their position as a leading provider of location data and cloud services for vehicles, as well as developing future technology to support connected and autonomous vehicles. HD maps that are continuously updating and will be crucial to autonomous cars as they provide a near real-time picture of the road environment. To make this happen, powerful OTA solutions will play a crucial role.
“Data and software delivery is a defining factor for future success within the automotive industry as vehicles are becoming more connected and autonomous, says Ralf Herrtwich, SVP Automotive of HERE Technologies. “The acquisition of ATS is a hugely important strategic investment for us to complement our portfolio as a premium automotive cloud provider. I’m excited to welcome Armin and his team into the HERE family.”
Armin G. Schmidt, CEO of ATS is equally excited about the acquisition and says that this “is an exciting opportunity for ATS as we will be able to combine HERE’s deep customer relationships with OEMs and our global client and partner network to deliver new commercial solutions and enhance the existing functionality of HERE products and services. We now look forward to joining a business with an inspirational vision to shape the autonomous world.”
The terms of the agreement are to be kept confidential, but transaction is set be finalised in the first quarter of next year.
