Google GOOG 1.96%↑ has agreed to end several practices that restricted competition in connection with its Google Automotive Services and Google Maps Platform, following a probe by Germany’s Federal Cartel Office. The tech giant committed to offering key in-vehicle services—such as Google Maps, Play, and Assistant—as standalone products, allowing car manufacturers to mix and match services from different providers.
The move aims to open up opportunities for alternative infotainment solutions and eliminate contractual incentives that previously pushed customers toward Google’s default options.
In addition, Google will remove restrictions that limited the integration of its map services with those from other providers such as HERE, Mapbox, and TomTom. This change gives customers the flexibility to use third-party map content alongside Google’s, supporting the development of more customizable and cost-effective applications for businesses in logistics, mobility, and delivery. The investigation was instigated by a complaint from Dutch rival TomTom, according to Reuters.
“These commitments will lead to direct improvements in the affected sectors,” said Bundeskartellamt President Andreas Mundt, in a statement. “They offer users more choice and pave the way for innovation by enabling interoperability and competition.”
The commitments will apply across Europe, covering vehicles registered in Germany and the wider EU market due to standardized automotive regulations. They also extend to all Google Maps license holders with billing addresses in the European Economic Area.
