TomTom inks deal with Uber for mapping software
TomTom will provide Uber's drivers with its maps and traffic data on Uber's driver app
TomTom and Uber have joined forces to offer the on-demand taxi service's drivers access to mapping and traffic data via the Uber driver app.
The app will be available to Uber's drivers in 300 cities around the world, TomTom's CEO Harold Goddijn said at the announcement during the Morgan Stanley TMT conference in Barcelona.
"What they (Uber) get from us is total control of their application," Goddijn said at the Morgan Stanley TMT conference in Barcelona. "Contrary to some of our competitors, we provide technology but also the raw data and databases to run it."
He added that it means Uber no longer has to share data with other companies, making the option more favourable for a company that holds a lot of user data in its systems.
"We are excited to provide Uber with our best-in-class location data." added Charles Cautley, managing director of Maps & Licensing at TomTom. "TomTom is a truly independent map provider with the platform for the future. With this platform, TomTom is the trusted partner for innovative and future proof location technology for the global automotive and consumer technology industry."
Neither company revealed how much the deal is worth, but they did say the engagement is long-term, covering almost every region where Uber operates.
"We look forward to working with TomTom, a leader in the mapping and navigation space," said Matt Wyndowe, head of product partnerships at Uber. "Their mapping and traffic data will help ensure we continue to provide a great experience for drivers everywhere."
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Earlier this year, Uber was one of the companies mixed up in a bidding war to buy Nokia's HERE mapping, apparently offering $3 billion to buy it. Instead, an army of German carmakers snapped it up and then went on to install the software in their cars, while Uber took on some of Microsoft's mapping assets.

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.
Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.
As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.
-
What does modern security success look like for financial services?Sponsored As financial institutions grapple with evolving cyber threats, intensifying regulations, and the limitations of ageing IT infrastructure, the need for a resilient and forward-thinking security strategy has never been greater
-
Yes, legal AI. But what can you actually do with it? Let’s take a look…Sponsored Legal AI is a knowledge multiplier that can accelerate research, sharpen insights, and organize information, provided legal teams have confidence in its transparent and auditable application
-
Uber launches contact-tracing service for public health officialsNews Gives health officials data on drivers and riders who may have come into contact with someone infected with the coronavirus
-
When the disruptors are disruptedOpinion The coronavirus pandemic has laid bare structural weaknesses in the sharing economy. Can the sector ever recover?
-
Uber, WeWork cause SoftBank to lose 99% of quarterly profitNews Huge losses threaten the future of the Vision Fund
-
ICO fines Uber £385,000 following its 2016 data breachNews The penalty follows an investigation by the watchdog into Uber’s 2016 data breach
-
Uber vs Waymo: Uber settles Waymo lawsuit for $245 millionNews The deal brings the long-running case over self-driving trade secrets to an end
-
Uber edges closer to '$10 billion' SoftBank investmentNews Japanese tech giant will lead consortium buying an additional 17% stake in the ride-hailing firm - report
-
Uber's planning its IPO for 2019News The decision could affect its investment from SoftBank, however
-
New CEO plans to take Uber public within three yearsNews Dara Khosrowshahi wants to see change at Uber, and that may include an IPO