HERE just made the road to software-defined vehicles a lot smoother

Think about your car today: if you want a new feature, you usually have to buy an entirely new model.

A software-defined vehicle turns that on its head. It works more like a smartphone: the hardware is the vessel, but the software is the soul.

Features can be updated, improved and personalized over time, without ever stepping into a garage.

For automakers, though, building these vehicles hasn’t been easy. Many have been forced to bolt together mismatched maps and systems.

“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,” said Denise Doyle, Chief Product Officer at HERE.

A monster problem

Until now, the map you use for navigation might be totally different from the data your car uses to stay in its lane. This disconnect can create complexity and cost a fortune. HERE is helping to change that, offering a unified portfolio that brings navigation, driver assistance and autonomy together under one roof.

Automakers can deliver branded and differentiated experiences with HERE Navigation, which is now in version 10, or build their own using the flexible HERE Navigation SDK. The intuitive, voice-first HERE AI assistant makes interacting with these systems for navigation and other queries simple and effective.

“Our new SDV portfolio delivers location intelligence in a unified manner for any application," said Doyle. "Our focus is to help automakers lower costs, accelerate development, simplify integrations and deliver cohesive user experiences at global scale. We are partners for building future-ready SDV architecture.”

"Behavioral Maneuvers," launching in early 2026, uses millions of miles of data to make self-driving feel smooth, natural and trustworthy.

Making automated driving feel human

Alongside an expanded and enriched HERE Navigate SDK, featuring lane-level guidance and an advanced driver-assistance system graphical user interface (ADAS GUI) to enhance navigation, it also combines live map intelligence with e-horizon technology, enabling automakers to deliver more advanced ADAS and navigation-on-autopilot (NOA) experiences.

Additionally, HERE Automated Driving Zones give automakers precise control over where and how automated features activate, ensuring compliance and providing a seamless experience across navigation, NOA and automated driving.

One of the most impressive features announced is called "Behavioral Maneuvers," set for release in the first half of 2026. If you’ve ever used cruise control or autopilot features, you know they can sometimes feel robotic or jerky. This new tech helps cars drive more naturally. It uses data from millions of miles of driving to teach the car how to brake and steer smoothly. The goal isn't just to make the car drive itself, but to make you trust it enough to let it take the wheel.

Real-world impact

What’s more, SceneXtract, a novel AI-powered tool from HERE, gives automakers more robust ADAS and automated driving testing by generating scenes in minutes instead of weeks.

This represents a transformational leap for automakers. With the HERE and AWS SDV Accelerator, engineers can design, build and validate digital cockpit configurations in virtual worlds before they ever hit the road.

They can simulate rush hour traffic or tricky weather conditions instantly. This speeds up development by up to 70%, meaning safer, more powerful features land in your driveway faster.

See you at CES 2026

Find us in the West Hall at the same great location as last year, booth number 3501.

Experience the future of location technology firsthand. Connect with our experts, see live demos, and discover how HERE is pioneering the next generation of mobility, logistics and in-car experiences.