TomTom inks deal with Uber for mapping software

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."

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.