Pioneer has begun "exploratory" discussions with Nokia's HERE regarding collaboration on utilization of automated driving maps. The agreement is based on potential scope for cooperation with mapping for advanced automatic driving, made possible by 3D-LiDAR, the
high-performance driving space sensor currently being developed by Pioneer.

The aim of the agreement is to discuss the utilization of advanced maps ahead of the coming era of automated driving, harnessing HERE’s expertise in map development and utilization, and Pioneer’s 3D-LiDAR driving space sensor.

Pioneer promotes the development of its high-performance, compact, low-cost 3D-LiDAR system for in-car applications by drawing on its optical disc technologies built up over many years. In addition, with its car-navigation technologies, the Smart Loop proprietary network
system using probe data launched in 2006 and the map creation and update expertise of Increment P - Pioneer's map creation subsidiary - the company aims to develop and propose efficient creation and operation systems which update and disseminate map data using the surrounding environment information automatically collected from private passenger vehicles.

HERE, a Nokia company, is a leader in navigation, mapping and location experiences. The company builds high-definition (HD) maps and combine them with cloud technology to enable real-time location experiences in a broad range of connected devices - from smartphones and
tablets to wearables and vehicles.