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Mercedes and VW battling Uber and Apple to spend billions on Nokia mapping division

Whether for autonomous driving or simply better navigation, digital mapping is closely linked with the future of motoring. The sale of a major player in that industry is spurring a showdown between automotive behemoths and tech giants, and it's a fascinating battle to watch unfold. Nokia is selling its Here mapping division, and while the company might not have the name recognition of Google, it controls about 70 percent of the auto market. The business is valued at $785 million, according to Reuters, but is likely to sell for significantly more. Case in point: Uber reportedly submitted a $3 billion bid. Apple has also been rumored to be among those interested in purchasing Here. A trio of German automotive heavyweights is mounting a challenge to Silicon Valley, though. According to Reuters speaking to two unnamed insiders, Daimler, BMW, and Audi are teaming up to submit a joint bid for an undisclosed sum. They're worried that if Here falls under the control of tech companies, then automakers might have limited availability to these vital maps in the future. Nokia bought Here for $8.1 billion in 2007, according to Reuters. The company operates a fleet of vehicles with cameras and LIDAR that drive around the world to create high-definition maps. It also generates even more information by using the GPS data from shipping and trucking companies.

Mercedes has X6 in its crosshairs with the GLE Coupe

In the last month, Mercedes-Benz has taken the sheet off two versions of its GLE Coupe: the 450 AMG and Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S. The models represent the German brand's shot across the bow at the BMW X6 in the luxury-crossover-four-door-coupe segment, including the high-performance M version of the bodystyle. Not much separates the styling between the two versions. Both feature sweeping arches over the hood and roofline to create their coupe-like appearance. Up front there are huge air intakes with a wide grille on top that's bisected by the brand's traditional star. The AMG version tweaks that look with the division's A-wing grille. At the rear, there are wraparound taillights and a chrome strip. The higher performance version also sports a modified diffuser and air outlets. No matter which one buyers choose, they get a healthy amount of power nestled under the hood. The 450 AMG packs a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 with 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque with a nine-speed automatic. Opting for the GLE63 means a massive boost with 577 hp and 561 pound-feet from a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 routing through a seven-speed auto gearbox. Either way, customers get Merc's 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The luxury crossover coupe segment is often maligned for looking awkward, but Mercedes clearly sees room to grow there. Check them both out live from the 2015 Detroit Auto Show floor in the galleries above.

New Mercedes-Maybach concept set to debut at 2018 Beijing Motor Show

Mercedes-Maybach builds some of the most kitted out and opulent production cars in the world. Think of the Maybach S 560 and S 650 as a Mercedes S-Class taken to the next level of luxury. Today, Mercedes-Maybach revealed a new teaser for what looks like a concept for a new EV. The car is set to debut in just a few weeks at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show. This might be the Maybach SUV we reported on a few weeks back. It's difficult to make out too many details, but it definitely looks different than the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 that we've seen floating around for the past couple of years. A close-up shot of the steering wheel shows the soft blue glow that Mercedes has put on the EQ-branded concept cars. Other images show clean white leather, rose gold trim and a pair of seats flanking a flower-encrusted panel. All the shots appear to be of the concept's interior, so we can't say for sure that this is the rumored Maybach SUV. Either way, it's sure to be just as luxurious and formidable as anything the automaker currently has on the road. We're hoping they come up with another G-Class Landaulet. Related Video: News Source: Facebook: Mercedes-Benz Design/Style Green Beijing Motor Show Maybach Mercedes-Benz SUV Concept Cars Electric Luxury Videos mercedes-maybach