Google lifts restrictions on digital car products

BERLIN: Google has agreed to ease some of its competition restrictions on digital car services, ending an anti-trust investigation by Germany's Federal Cartel Office.

In a press statement, the office said the US technology giant had agreed to license Google Maps, the Google Play app store and the Google Assistant voice assistant as separate services, rather than as a bundle under the umbrella of Google Automotive Services.

This should make it easier for competing products to be used, it said.

It is not yet clear whether carmakers will opt to purchase components from different providers instead of the bundled services.

"In future it will be possible for vehicle manufacturers to choose freely between services from different providers and to combine them according to customer needs," said Andreas Mundt, head of the Federal Cartel Office.

In addition, Google will withdraw certain contractual arrangements that created incentives for using its services, the office said.

The US company has also committed to creating the conditions for interoperability so that services from different providers function smoothly with Google services.

Finally, users will be able to combine parts of Google Maps with services from other providers - an option previously only available for corporate customers, such as delivery services.

Google said its platforms and services have always offered developers, carmakers and consumers innovation and choice.

"Our terms have been industry-standard, and we'll continue supporting our customers with innovative, helpful products for end users," a Google spokesman said.

The changes apply across the EU market, according to the statement.