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01/06/16
Audi MediaCenter

HERE – a new database for networked intelligence

The future is HERE: Tomorrow’s mobility begins with real-time digital maps

In late 2015, Audi jointly purchased the HERE maps database from the Nokia Corporation – in a consortium with the BMW Group and Daimler AG. HERE, one of the most important suppliers in the industry, produces highly precise digital navigation maps and location-based services for nearly 200 countries and in over 50 languages.

“Our environment is constantly changing. That is why we must continually update the information in digital maps,” says Ricky Hudi, Executive Vice President Electronic Development at AUDI AG. “HERE provides the foundation for new infotainment, connectivity and assistance systems. HERE gives us more independence. And especially important for the future: HERE gives us an excellent database for further extending our lead in the field of piloted driving.” Piloted driving is currently experiencing rapid development. It will require an entirely new and highly precise type of mapping materials. Today, static HD maps by HERE provide 3D models of the road network, transportation infrastructure and your environment that are accurate to the inch.

The next step will be to link the maps to real-time information from real traffic events. The cars acquire this information themselves via their cameras, sensors and control systems. This information might include speed limits detected by traffic sign recognition or road conditions such as black ice. In the future, much more information will be added, which will all will be verified and evaluated as a data stream in the Cloud. The relevant information will be continually fed back to participating vehicles. Stringent data protection rules will be applied here.

This swarm intelligence will deliver a tremendous societal benefit. It will enable real-time hazard warnings, e.g. of critical weather events, vehicle breakdowns, accidents and forming traffic jams. One of the next steps will also be to predictively prepare a car’s control systems for curves or sections of road that are in poor condition. As a result, driving will become more convenient, and above all safer.

The future data exchange between vehicles and the infrastructure will offer special benefits in cities as well. Displaying and integrating traffic light phases into vehicle control systems will make it possible for cars to “swim” with the flow of traffic on a green wave with high efficiency.

Using data from the swarm, it will in future become easier to find available parking spaces and to plan your personal route incorporating bus and rail transportation.

Along with HD maps, HERE also provides a large database of information on hotels, businesses, parking places and events. The continually growing volume of data from the vehicle’s surroundings makes a number of location-based services very attractive to the user and will be tailored to be more convenient, more connected and even more focused on individual needs.

HERE will remain an open, independent, continually extended and updated platform for Cloud-based maps and mobility services – accessible to all customers of the automotive and other industries.

Equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice.

© 2021 by AUDI AG. All rights reserved.

The indicated consumption and emissions values were determined according to the legally specified measuring methods. Since September 1, 2017, type approval for certain new vehicles has been performed in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), a more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Since September 1, 2018, the WLTP has gradually replaced the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Due to the more realistic test conditions, the consumption and CO2 emission values measured are in many cases higher than the values measured according to the NEDC. Additional information about the differences between WLTP and NEDC is available at www.audi.de/wltp.

At the moment, it is still mandatory to communicate the NEDC values. In the case of new vehicles for which type approval was performed using WLTP, the NEDC values are derived from the WLTP values. WLTP values can be provided voluntarily until their use becomes mandatory. If NEDC values are indicated as a range, they do not refer to one, specific vehicle and are not an integral element of the offer. They are provided only for the purpose of comparison between the various vehicle types. Additional equipment and accessories (attachment parts, tire size, etc.) can change relevant vehicle parameters, such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics and, like weather and traffic conditions as well as individual driving style, influence a vehicle’s electric power consumption, CO2 emissions and performance figures.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures and the official specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide on the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and power consumption of all new passenger car models”, which is available free of charge at all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany (www.dat.de).

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