We simply wanted to protect that company,” said Klaus Fröhlich, a member of BMW Group’s management board.
In addition, the three companies — BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz — sought to avoid getting into bed with Google, knowing that the search giant wanted all kinds of personal information in exchange for access to its maps.
“We do not want [to do business with] companies who do not accept the privacy of our customers and want to bring their information into their ecosystem,” Fröhlich said.
By owning Here together, the companies protect their access.