The bidding war over Nokia's mapping app may finally be over.
Audi, BMW and Daimler will acquire Nokia's mapping division, makers of the Here maps app, for $2.7 billion, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. The carmakers will buy the mapping service outright, then open it up to other car companies who may want to buy their own stake.
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The report comes after weeks of rumors surrounding the possible acquisition of Here. Uber reportedly bid as much as $3 billion for the service, before dropping out of the talks. Uber acquired some of Bing's mapping technology last month for an undisclosed amount.
The deal, which is expected to be announced in the next few days, shows just how vital maps have become. Car companies have begun experimenting with self-driving cars, while ride-sharing companies like Uber want to decrease their reliance on Google. Nokia already has a significant presence in the auto industry, with companies like Jaguar Land Rover using HERE maps in their cars' onboard navigation systems.
It's not clear what effect the deal would have on Here's popular iOS and Android apps. A spokesperson for Here declined to comment.