The software-defined vehicle (SDV) is no longer a futuristic buzzword, but a reality, driven by a convergence of location intelligence, high-performance computing, and conversational AI.
At the centre of this transformation is mapping giant HERE Technologies, which showcased its advanced capabilities at the CES 2026 in Las Vegas, demonstrating that a unified live map can dismantle the fragmented architectures that have long plagued automakers.
The rise of the SDV
For years, the industry has struggled with what Denise Doyle, chief product officer at HERE Technologies, calls ‘Frankenstein’ vehicle architectures. “Automakers have been challenged with fragmented ‘Frankenstein’ vehicle architectures that add complexity and slow innovation. For example, several map databases are often used to power various vehicle domains,” Doyle said. “Our new SDV portfolio delivers location intelligence in a unified manner for any application. Our focus is to help automakers lower costs, accelerate development, simplify integrations, and deliver cohesive user experiences at global scale.”
HERE’s SDV portfolio combines customisable software, a flexible SDK, and an AI-powered live map to streamline development across a vehicle’s lifecycle.
A key highlight was ‘Behavioral Maneuvers’, which enhances automated driving by enabling vehicles to execute smooth, natural manoeuvres. These capabilities help maintain driver trust and reduce the likelihood of automated driving feature deactivation. Developed with leading automakers and powered by HERE AI technology, it uses anonymised data from millions of vehicles to support precise localisation and safety.
Hardware meets intelligence
While software is the brain, it requires a body (hardware) to function. This was illustrated at the Qualcomm booth, where HERE showcased its location intelligence integrated with the Snapdragon Ride Pilot system for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving (AD), which can allow a vehicle to ‘see’ beyond the reach of its physical sensors. This extended awareness is critical for navigating complex urban environments and ensuring smoother lane changes through detailed lane topology.
“Our AI-powered map provides the vehicle ‘foresight’ and context that sensors alone cannot deliver. Paired with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride Pilot and its advanced computing platform, we’re proud to help unlock a new era of safer, smarter, and more scalable mobility,” said Remco Timmer, SVP & head of Automotive Solutions at HERE Technologies.
Voice-assisted cockpit
Lastly, the collaboration between HERE and Amazon showcased how the in-vehicle experience is becoming more personal and conversational. By integrating HERE Navigation with Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant (ACA), automakers can offer uniquely branded AI assistants. You could ask: “Hey Assistant, navigate me to the Sphere in Las Vegas, then find me parking… Oh, and by the way, what’s showing tonight there?” and receive a relevant response.
“By uniting HERE’s industry-leading mapping and location technology with Amazon’s next-generation conversational AI, we are redefining what in-vehicle navigation can be,” added Doyle. “This collaboration reduces development complexity for automakers across every vehicle segment when working with HERE and Amazon.”
Deon Newman, the SVP & GM for Asia Pacific at HERE Technologies said that HERE’s location data and software services have now been used in 238 million vehicles globally. More than 63 million vehicles today rely on mapping and location technology from HERE for ADAS and automated driving functions, and more than 90 brands from 40 global automakers have selected the HERE ISA Map to comply with the EU Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) regulation.
