TOKYO -- A Japanese map platform developer funded by leading automakers will acquire an American peer affiliated with General Motors, seeking a stronger position for challenging Google and Chinese rivals in a vital area for self-driving cars.
Nikkei first reported that Dynamic Map Platform -- which counts Toyota Motor, Honda Motor, Nissan Motor, mapping company Zenrin and the public-private fund INCJ among its investors -- plans to buy Detroit-based Ushr in a deal estimated at nearly 20 billion yen ($181 million). The Tokyo-based Dynamic Map Platform announced the acquisition later on Wednesday.
