Mapping and location data firm HERE Technologies has entered into a strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan. Through the partnership, HERE plans to play a role in various strategic initiatives in Japan and other markets in Asia Pacific. These include deploying HERE technology in projects to address customer needs in transportation and logistics and other industries, such as making truck logistics and last-mile delivery more efficient; optimizing delivery routes and capacity management for middle mile logistics; supporting smart city initiatives with an emphasis on reduction of traffic congestion; and enabling better mobile navigation systems and location-based advertisements in airports and entertainment facilities.

As part of the collaboration, Mitsubishi is also planning to leverage the HERE location platform to support its own digitalization initiatives. Mitsubishi is a conglomerate with businesses in many industries, including industrial infrastructure, materials, urban development, automotive, mineral resources, and chemicals.?

“We are excited to partner with Mitsubishi Corporation and bring our location technology to new markets and industries,” said HERE Technologies CEO, Edzard Overbeek. “Our joint partnership is proof of how different data sets enabled with location intelligence can drive growth, cost efficiency and innovation for customers across multiple industries.”

HERE?has?been growing?its?presence?in?Asia?Pacific.?Its?commitment?to the region?includes the recent extension of?the HERE?Workspace?along with a suite of HERE Location Services?into Japan.
The appeal and necessity of location data and technology across geographies and industries is also reflected in the company’s diversifying shareholder structure. On December 20, 2019, HERE announced that Mitsubishi and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) plan to jointly acquire a 30 per cent ownership stake in the company. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2020, subject to regulatory approval.