Bundeskartellamt Investigates Digital Mapping Services for Vehicles
The Bundeskartellamt (German Federal Cartel Office) is currently examining whether Google’s digital mapping services for use in passenger vehicle infotainment systems may restrict competition. The ongoing review focuses in particular on the Google Automotive SDK and the design of the Google Maps Platform for the automotive sector.
During the proceedings, Google announced that it would modify its offering in this market segment. The Bundeskartellamt has therefore launched a market consultation. Its purpose is to determine whether the announced realignment is capable of addressing the competition concerns under investigation. No final decision has yet been issued in the ongoing proceedings.
Vehicle Manufacturers’ Options for Selection and Combination
According to the Bundeskartellamt, digital mapping services for in-vehicle infotainment systems have developed significantly in recent years. Google holds a significant position in this area.
In the authority’s view, effective competition requires vehicle manufacturers to be able to select services from different mapping service providers and combine them according to their needs. According to the authority’s assessment, restrictions on selection or combination could adversely affect other providers and ultimately also impact the range of services available to vehicle users.
Review of the Google Automotive SDK
One focus of the proceedings concerns the offering structure of the recently launched Google Automotive SDK. The product, which is aimed at vehicle manufacturers, includes the following components in particular:
- It provides digital map data.
- It enables searches for points of interest.
- It includes navigation features.
- It provides real-time traffic information.
The Bundeskartellamt is investigating whether Google offers these separate services exclusively as a bundle. In particular, it must be clarified whether vehicle manufacturers can obtain individual components separately and then combine them with services from other providers. One concern is that such separate use may not currently be possible.
Distinction from the Google Maps Platform
The Google Automotive SDK must be distinguished from the standalone mapping services offered by Google through the Google Maps Platform. The Bundeskartellamt is examining whether this offering provides automotive companies with an equivalent option for obtaining individual features that are also included in the Google Automotive SDK.
The authority is also investigating whether the specific design of the Google Maps Platform for vehicles makes it more difficult to integrate mapping services from other providers. The review therefore concerns not only the terms for obtaining individual services but also their technical interoperability.
Abuse Control under § 19a GWB
The investigation is based primarily on the Bundeskartellamt’s special powers under § 19a GWB (German Act against Restraints of Competition). The provision concerns abuse control in relation to undertakings of paramount significance for competition across markets.
According to the authority, Google and the Bundeskartellamt remain in ongoing discussions regarding a competition-compliant design of the mapping services concerned. As part of this dialogue, Google announced that it would restructure and standardise its Google Maps Platform offering for the automotive sector. The planned offering structure is to be named the “Geo Cloud Automotive Program”.
Market Consultation on the Announced Changes
The market consultation is intended to clarify whether the Geo Cloud Automotive Program can address the competition concerns currently under investigation. Vehicle manufacturers and other providers of digital mapping services are being consulted.
According to Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, numerous individual issues must be examined in this regard, some of which are highly technical. The comprehensive consultation is intended to provide the authority with the factual information required for its further assessment.
Companies that may be affected by the investigation but have not yet been contacted directly may also submit comments. For this purpose, the Bundeskartellamt has provided the email address info@bundeskartellamt.bund.de. The announcement did not specify a deadline for such submissions.
Distinction from the Proceedings Concluded in 2025
In 2025, the Bundeskartellamt had already concluded the proceedings concerning “Google Automotive Services” and the “Google Maps Platform”. In two decisions, the authority declared the commitments offered by Google to be binding and closed the proceedings at that time.
The commitments concerning Google Automotive Services apply to in-vehicle infotainment systems in passenger vehicles that are registered or may be registered in Germany in the future. In connection with the Google Maps Platform, Google must amend its contractual terms within 90 days of the issuance of the commitment decision.
The current proceedings concern a different subject matter. They are intended to determine whether Google’s mapping service offerings for the automotive sector involve specific restrictions of competition beyond the practices already addressed by the 2025 decisions. The outcome of this review remains open.
Competition Law Significance of Digital Vehicle Services
The investigation highlights the significance that bundling, interoperability and choice may have in digitally driven markets. Companies frequently face questions regarding the permissible design of product bundles, technical interfaces and contractual terms of use. MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte advises companies and investors on the legal assessment of such matters; further information is available from its competition law advisory practice.
