Porsche Also Integrates Tmap Navigation... Starting with Macan EV Launching at Year-End

Year-End Release Likely to Feature 'Macan Electric'
Highly Versatile Android OS Used... Advantageous for Optimization
Trend of Expanding Tmap Usage in Imported Car Market

Porsche Macan Electric4 to be released domestically at the end of this year (Photo by Porsche Korea)

German premium sports car maker Porsche will equip its first pure electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the brand, the 'Macan Electric,' set to be launched domestically by the end of this year, with Tmap navigation. Following Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, all popular brands that dominate the domestic imported car market will now use a Korean-made navigation system.

According to industry sources on the 27th, Porsche is currently working with Tmap Mobility to integrate Tmap navigation. A Porsche Korea official stated, "It is difficult to disclose specific details or finalize the situation yet, but we are continuously collaborating with Tmap Mobility and progressing in a positive direction."

Tmap navigation is expected to be installed in the 'Macan Electric,' which was recently unveiled in Korea for the first time. The Macan Electric is the last of three new Porsche models to be released this year and is scheduled for launch around the end of the year. Tmap navigation was not installed in the already released Taycan and new Panamera models.

The possibility of Tmap integration is considered higher because the Macan uses Android OS as the operating system (OS) for vehicle infotainment. An IT industry insider explained, "Software installed in vehicles is developed according to the OS each vehicle uses independently, and if a universal Android OS is installed, software development becomes easier."

Using Android OS is expected to actively enable not only navigation but also head-up display (HUD) and augmented reality functions. The two companies are reportedly discussing related matters.

With Porsche joining the ranks of Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in adopting Tmap, the market share of Tmap is expected to expand. According to the Korea Imported Automobile Association, these four companies hold a 64.7% share of the domestic market (including BMW MINI, based on January to May this year). Volvo has been using Tmap since 2021, and BMW Korea also equipped Tmap in the X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer models launched in February. Mercedes-Benz has also decided to install Tmap navigation in the new E-Class.

An industry insider said, "Given the domestic environment where freely using Google Maps is difficult, insisting solely on proprietary navigation systems makes it hard to maintain competitiveness," adding, "It is more efficient to collaborate with domestic companies rather than developing a Korean-specific navigation system independently."